Cash Farms Dam, also known as Big Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Cherokee, South Carolina, along the TR-Macedonia Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1900 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 740 feet in length, providing vital irrigation resources to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreation.
Despite its historical significance and functional role in water resource management, Cash Farms Dam is rated as having poor structural condition and a low hazard potential according to a 2017 assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates, posing moderate risk to the surrounding community. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring compliance with safety standards. While the dam's risk management measures are not explicitly outlined, its continued operation reinforces the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure for the safety of both people and the environment.
In the face of climate change and increasing pressure on water resources, the conservation and rehabilitation of dams like Cash Farms Dam are essential for ensuring water security and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. As stakeholders continue to assess and address the dam's structural weaknesses and risk potential, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
740 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MACEDONIA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |