Palomino Farms Retention Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Palomino Farms Retention Basin in Bucks, Pennsylvania, is a crucial water management infrastructure owned by the local government.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR Little Neshaminy Creek. With a height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, this retention basin plays a vital role in controlling water flow and mitigating potential hazards in the region.

Located in Warrington Township, Palomino Farms Retention Basin covers a surface area of 3 acres and has a drainage area of 0.8 square miles. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in March 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates and inspects this structure regularly to ensure its operational effectiveness and safety standards are maintained.

With its strategic design and functionality, the Palomino Farms Retention Basin stands as a critical resilience measure against flooding events in the area. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts can appreciate the significant role this infrastructure plays in safeguarding the community and the environment from water-related risks. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like this retention basin become increasingly important for sustainable water management and disaster preparedness.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE NESHAMINY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.