Lauer Run Detention Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Wyomissing Borough, Berks County, Pennsylvania, the Lauer Run Detention Basin is a crucial flood risk reduction structure that plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. The basin is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and operational readiness.

With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, the Lauer Run Detention Basin serves to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events. Its strategic location along the Lauer Run river stream enables it to effectively manage stormwater runoff from a drainage area of 2.05 square miles. The structure's significant hazard potential necessitates a thorough risk management approach, although its current condition is assessed as fair, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.

Managed by the local government, the Lauer Run Detention Basin stands as a critical infrastructure asset in the region, working in tandem with other flood control measures to safeguard communities from the impacts of climate change and water-related disasters. The basin's role in reducing flood risks and protecting the environment underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices and the need for continued investment in resilient infrastructure to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

LAUER RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.05

Nid Storage

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.