Harleys Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hughes Pond Dam Joseph Headden Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harleys Millpond Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1900 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 390 feet, creating a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Big Beaver Creek and has a surface area of 19 acres, providing a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition according to its last assessment in March 2019. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this structure. The dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment are not readily available, but the dam has a set inspection frequency of three years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Overall, Harleys Millpond Dam offers a valuable recreational resource in the region, while also presenting challenges in terms of its hazard potential and the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring. For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, this dam serves as an important case study in balancing the benefits of water infrastructure with the need to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Harleys Millpond Dam