Sawmill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sawmill Pond Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, was completed in 1800 and serves as a recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This privately-owned earth dam stands at 11 feet high and spans 425 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently in poor condition, as indicated by a 2017 assessment. The low hazard potential of Sawmill Pond Dam presents an opportunity for restoration efforts to improve its structural integrity and safety.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Sawmill Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its deteriorating condition raises concerns about its long-term viability. With a focus on public safety and environmental conservation, stakeholders may need to consider investing in maintenance and restoration measures to prolong the lifespan of this historic structure.

Water enthusiasts interested in Sawmill Pond Dam can appreciate its unique design as an earth dam with a buttress core type. The dam's location along the Long Branch river offers visitors a scenic retreat, but its poor condition highlights the need for proactive management and potential restoration efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of this recreational water resource for years to come.

Year Completed

1800

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

LONG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Nid Storage

135

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.