Newtown (Pa-621) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Newtown (Pa-621) is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Newtown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam was completed in 1980 with the primary purpose of mitigating flood risks along the Newtown Creek. With a dam height of 44 feet and a length of 850 feet, Newtown (Pa-621) has a storage capacity of 1420 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11 acres, serving a drainage area of 3 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Newtown (Pa-621) is currently in fair condition based on the last inspection conducted in April 2020. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. While no emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps have been prepared yet, the dam has a designated inspection frequency of once a year to monitor any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community in the event of a flood emergency. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the critical role that Newtown (Pa-621) plays in protecting the area from flood events and the ongoing efforts to maintain its functionality and safety.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

NEWTOWN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

1420

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
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.