Sterling Drug, a private dam located in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Doe Run river. With a dam height of 18.5 feet and a length of 1200 feet, Sterling Drug's primary purpose is to minimize the impact of potential flooding events in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for improved maintenance and monitoring.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Sterling Drug is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and is primarily constructed of earth and buttress core types. Although the last inspection took place in November 2020, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unclear, indicating potential areas for further improvement to ensure its resilience in the face of changing climate and water resource challenges.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and support the upkeep of critical infrastructure like Sterling Drug to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. By enhancing emergency preparedness, conducting regular inspections, and implementing risk management measures, stakeholders can work together to sustainably manage water resources and mitigate the potential risks associated with aging dams like Sterling Drug.