Spring Brook Intake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Spring Brook Intake, located in Spring Brook Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital water supply structure completed in 1894.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 238 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of water supply, it has a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, drawing from a drainage area of 42.3 square miles.

The dam has undergone mechanical modifications in 2007 and 2008, ensuring its continued functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, its condition assessment remains fair. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in April 2020. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, safeguarding its operational integrity and compliance with safety standards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spring Brook Intake stands as a historic and crucial infrastructure providing essential water supply services to the surrounding area. Its strategic location along the Spring Brook stream, meticulous design, and continuous maintenance underscore its significance in ensuring water security and resilience in the region.

Years Modified

2007 - Mechanical, 2008 - Mechanical

Year Completed

1894

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

SPRING BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

42.3

Nid Storage

238

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.