Sawmill Pond Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, was completed in 1800 and serves as a recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
425cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
2170cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
142cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |