Comerio Ii Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

The Comerio II Dam, located in Comerío, Puerto Rico, is a hydroelectric structure built in 1913 with a primary purpose of generating electricity.


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Summary

Standing at 128 feet tall and spanning 480 feet in length, this buttress dam harnesses the power of the La Plata River to provide a maximum storage capacity of 1825 acre-feet. Despite its impressive engineering, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential due to its outdated design and maintenance issues.

Managed by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the dam is inspected every three years to ensure structural integrity and public safety. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, the Comerio II Dam faces challenges in meeting modern safety guidelines and emergency preparedness standards. While it continues to serve as a vital source of renewable energy for the region, efforts to improve its condition and reduce potential risks are necessary to safeguard the surrounding communities and water resources.

As a key component of Puerto Rico's water infrastructure, the Comerio II Dam offers valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its historical significance and ongoing operational challenges highlight the importance of balancing energy production with environmental conservation and safety considerations. By addressing the dam's maintenance needs and implementing risk management measures, stakeholders can ensure the long-term sustainability of this critical hydroelectric facility in the face of evolving climate conditions and water resource demands.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

128

River Or Stream

LA PLATA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

60

Hydraulic Height

118

Drainage Area

135

Nid Storage

1825

Structural Height

128

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

128
       
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.