Boyd's Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Boyd's Millpond Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, is a gravity dam built in 1909 along the Reedy River for hydroelectric purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 36 feet and a length of 800 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 3,108 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 185 acres. The dam is owned and 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 being classified as having a high hazard potential, Boyd's Millpond Dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in May 2020. The dam has an inspection frequency of every two years, with emergency action plans in place. The area surrounding the dam is at risk of inundation in the event of a breach, but no detailed risk assessment or management measures are available. Although the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, its historical significance and importance in providing hydroelectric power make it a vital structure in the region for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
REEDY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
185 |
Nid Storage |
3108 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
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.
Boyd's Millpond Dam