Makefield Glen Detention B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Makefield Glen Detention B is a flood risk reduction structure located in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

Built in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 500 feet along Brock Creek, with a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, indicating a need for maintenance or rehabilitation to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.

The dam is designed to mitigate flooding in the surrounding area by storing excess water during periods of high flow. However, its poor condition raises concerns about its ability to perform as intended during extreme weather events, especially in the face of climate change impacts on precipitation patterns and water availability. With a history of state regulation and oversight, Makefield Glen Detention B serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk management in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to protect communities and water resources in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

BROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.