Mathews Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Redds Pond Dam Patrick Williams Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Mathews Mill Pond Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, holds a significant amount of water with a storage capacity of 279 acre-feet.
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Summary
Built in 1910, this private-owned dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 30 acres for visitors to enjoy. However, recent inspections have raised concerns about its poor condition and significant hazard potential, prompting a closer look at its maintenance and safety protocols.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Mathews Mill Pond Dam stands as a historic earth dam with a height of 11 feet and a length of 575 feet along Whaley Creek. Despite its age, the dam remains state-regulated and permitted for operation, with regular inspections conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity. With a potential risk assessment pending and a need for improved emergency action planning, stakeholders are urged to address the dam's maintenance needs to mitigate any potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community and environment from adverse impacts.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources and infrastructure, Mathews Mill Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive dam management and safety measures. With its outdated emergency action plan and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to prioritize risk management and implement necessary maintenance and rehabilitation efforts to ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. By addressing these concerns, Mathews Mill Pond Dam can continue to fulfill its recreational purpose while safeguarding the community and ecosystem it serves.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
575 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
WHALEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Nid Storage |
279 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Mathews Mill Pond Dam