Ruesch Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ruesch Pond Dam in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1962 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 14 feet and a length of 490 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 317 acre-feet and a surface area of 39 acres. It is situated on the Middle Pen Swamp, overseen by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for regulation, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its intended use for recreation, Ruesch Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in February 2021. The dam is subject to biennial inspections, with the last one conducted in February 2021. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in April 2015, with no updates on its adherence to guidelines or preparedness for potential risks. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with no associated federal agency involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or regulatory aspects.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Ruesch Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance as a recreational structure in South Carolina. However, the dam's current state of disrepair and high hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, addressing the safety and structural integrity of dams like Ruesch Pond Dam becomes crucial for protecting surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE PEN SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39 |
Nid Storage |
317 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Ruesch Pond Dam