Waste House No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Waste House No 3 is an Earth dam located in Mahanoy Township, Pennsylvania, along the Wastehouse Run.


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Summary

Built in 1902, this dam serves as a critical water supply source with a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 136.9 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 1080 feet in length, encompassing a surface area of 13 acres and draining a 0.37 square mile watershed.

Managed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Waste House No 3 is classified as a high hazard dam with a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet water supply needs while undergoing regular inspections and maintenance. The presence of this structure underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding critical infrastructure for future generations.

As climate change intensifies, the resilience of structures like Waste House No 3 will be crucial in ensuring reliable water supply under changing environmental conditions. By adhering to regulatory guidelines, conducting thorough risk assessments, and implementing appropriate management measures, dams like Waste House No 3 can continue to fulfill their vital role in supporting water resource sustainability and climate adaptation efforts in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

1080

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

WASTEHOUSE RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

175

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
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.