Chalk Hill Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chalk Hill Millpond Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this dam spans 715 feet in length and stands at a height of 19 feet, with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. The dam sits on Chalk Hill Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a very high risk assessment level (1). The last inspection in August 2017 revealed areas of concern, prompting the need for improvements and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. With an inadequate Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and no recent updates on emergency contacts or inundation maps, there are clear gaps in preparedness and risk management measures. The dam's poor condition and high risk underscore the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight to safeguard both the dam structure and surrounding communities in case of emergencies.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the status of Chalk Hill Millpond Dam and advocate for necessary upgrades to enhance its safety and resilience. By staying informed on the dam's condition, pushing for regular inspections and updates to the EAP, and supporting risk management measures, we can help protect this vital infrastructure and the environment it serves. Together, we can promote sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation practices to ensure the long-term security of our water systems.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

CHALK HILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.