Wachovia Hills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Located in Darlington, South Carolina, Wachovia Hills Dam stands as a vital structure along the TR-BACK SWAMP river.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this private dam serves primarily for recreation, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 44 feet and a length of 1000 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational significance, Wachovia Hills Dam faces challenges in its condition assessment, marked as poor during the last inspection in 2017. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure the safety of nearby communities. While the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), its condition highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement efforts.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the beauty of Wachovia Hills Dam, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With its historical significance and recreational value, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable management practices in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

TR-BACK SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

470

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
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.