Brinton Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brinton Lake, located in Thornbury Township, Pennsylvania, is a privately owned recreational lake that was completed in 1900.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation purposes, is an earth structure with a height of 15 feet and a length of 300 feet. The lake has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, with a drainage area of 1.8 square miles. The watershed of Brinton Lake is part of the West Branch Chester Creek.

Despite its recreational value, Brinton Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has been modified structurally in 2006, but its maintenance and upkeep seem to be lacking, as indicated by the last inspection date in December 2019. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates the dam, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are carried out. Given its location in a densely populated area of Delaware County, the safety and maintenance of Brinton Lake are crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor.

In order to prevent potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community, it is essential for the owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize the maintenance and rehabilitation of Brinton Lake. By addressing the poor condition assessment and implementing necessary risk management measures, the lake can continue to serve as a recreational resource while mitigating any potential hazards associated with its dam structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should advocate for regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to safeguard Brinton Lake and its watershed for future generations.

Years Modified

2006 - Structural

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH CHESTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

54

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.