Watres Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Watres, a private water supply dam located in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, was completed in 1925 and stands at a height of 135 feet with a length of 1406 feet.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is water supply, with a storage capacity of 8241 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 5957 acre-feet. Situated on Spring Brook, the dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Watres has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition. The dam has undergone modifications in 2008 to its foundation and hydraulic components. In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although details regarding its preparation and review dates are not specified. With its location in Spring Brook Township and under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania state regulatory agency, Watres serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Overall, Watres provides a vital water supply function and plays a significant role in managing the water resources of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania. With its historical significance dating back to 1925, the dam continues to be a key infrastructure for the region. Its compliance with state regulations and regular inspections demonstrate a commitment to ensuring its safety and reliability for the community it serves. As a private dam with a substantial storage capacity, Watres stands as a testament to the importance of proper water resource management in the face of climate change and increasing demands for water supply.

Years Modified

2008 - Foundation, 2008 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1406

Dam Height

135

River Or Stream

SPRING BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

167

Drainage Area

15.4

Nid Storage

8241

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

135
       
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.