Laurel Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and also offers recreational opportunities. Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 395 feet, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Franklin Branch, is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

Despite its important role in supporting agriculture and providing leisure activities, Laurel Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of June 2020. This designation highlights the need for ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness efforts. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last updated in June 2019, and its inspection frequency is set at every two years to monitor any changes in its structural stability.

As a key infrastructure in the region, Laurel Lake Dam underscores the importance of maintaining and managing water resources effectively in the face of changing climate conditions. With its strategic location and significant impact on the surrounding area, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that water resource management plays in addressing the challenges of the future.