B E And Robert Owen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ruesch Pond Dam Lake Clare Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the B E and Robert Owen Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, completed in 1900.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam, primarily used for recreation, spans 650 feet in length and reaches a height of 9 feet, with a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet. Situated on the Middle Pen Swamp, the dam offers a surface area of 33 acres for visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the dam holds a significant hazard potential, requiring inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity. The surrounding area, managed by the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, is overseen by Representative James E. Clyburn. While the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, its purpose as a recreational site continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
With a rich history dating back over a century, the B E and Robert Owen Dam stands as a vital piece of South Carolina's water infrastructure, offering not only recreational opportunities but also a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the past. As climate change continues to impact water resources, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable management practices and the need to prioritize the safety and maintenance of our vital water infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE PEN SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
33 |
Nid Storage |
249 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
B E And Robert Owen Dam