Taylor Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Taylor Millpond Dam, located in Lexington, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure that stands as a recreational landmark along the TWELVEMILE CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this Earth-type dam boasts a height of 17 feet and a length of 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance and purpose for recreational activities, the dam is currently classified as having a "Low" hazard potential and a "Poor" condition assessment, indicating potential risks and maintenance concerns.

The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place. Despite these regulatory measures, the dam's condition assessment from 2017 raises concerns about its structural integrity. The risk assessment for Taylor Millpond Dam categorizes it as having a "Very High" risk level, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the dam's recreational functionality.

Given its age and condition, Taylor Millpond Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring of water resource infrastructure. With its proximity to residential areas and the potential impact of a dam failure, stakeholders and regulators must work collaboratively to address the identified risks and implement suitable risk management strategies to safeguard both the dam and the local community from potential harm.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TWELVEMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

151

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.