John C Smith is a vital water supply dam located in Bedford Township, Pennsylvania. Built in 1932, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 59 feet and spans 900 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, supporting the local community with a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet.

Despite its importance for water resource management, John C Smith is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards. However, with its last inspection conducted in April 2020, there is a need for ongoing maintenance and potential risk management measures to address its current condition.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, John C Smith presents a case study for the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience. As efforts continue to safeguard this critical water supply source, there is a call for increased awareness and action to address the challenges facing aging dams like John C Smith in order to ensure the sustainability and safety of our water resources in the face of a changing climate.