Milltown Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Milltown, located in East Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, is a crucial water supply dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

Built in 1924, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 349 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of water supply, Milltown serves the community with a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet across a surface area of 9 acres, drawing from a drainage area of 6.6 square miles.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Milltown poses a high hazard potential due to its age and the surrounding area's vulnerability. Regular inspections are conducted with a frequency of one year, with the last assessment completed in November 2020. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unclear, its critical role in water supply underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential infrastructure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Milltown in maintaining water supply and managing risk in the face of changing environmental conditions is vital. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, condition assessments, and emergency preparedness of structures like Milltown, we can contribute to the sustainable management of water resources and the resilience of our communities in the face of potential water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

349

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH CHESTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

6.6

Nid Storage

114

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.