Baxter Raw Water Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Baxter Raw Water Basin, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.


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Summary

Constructed in 1916, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 537 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Baxter Raw Water Basin plays a vital role in ensuring water security for the surrounding communities.

Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades. With a low hazard potential, the dam poses minimal risk to the area, but its poor condition raises concerns about its long-term reliability. The last inspection in 2015 highlighted the need for improvements, suggesting a reevaluation of the dam's structural integrity to ensure its continued functionality and safety for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

As conversations around water scarcity and climate change intensify, Baxter Raw Water Basin stands as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and investing in our water infrastructure. With its rich history and critical role in supplying water to the region, efforts to improve the dam's condition and resilience are essential in safeguarding this valuable resource for future generations.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

WTRSHD DELAWARE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

537

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.