D.O.E. Savannah River Pond 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Savannah River Pond 5, also known as P Effluent Earth Dam, is a federal-owned structure located in Barnwell, South Carolina. Built in 1962 by the Department of Energy, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 292 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 3596 cubic feet per second, this dam serves a critical purpose in managing water resources in the area.
Situated along the Lower Three Runs-TR river/stream, D.O.E. Savannah River Pond 5 covers a surface area of 60 acres and has a drainage area of 1.2 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, this dam undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.
Managed and funded by the Department of Energy, D.O.E. Savannah River Pond 5 plays a significant role in water resource management in the region. With its uncontrolled spillway and rock foundation, this earth dam provides essential storage capacity and flood control, contributing to the overall resilience of the local water infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and operational details intriguing, highlighting the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding our water resources.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
870 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
LOWER THREE RUNS-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
722 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Savannah R At Burtons Ferry Br Nr Millhaven
|
7320cfs |
Brier Creek At Millhaven
|
458cfs |
Savannah River At Augusta
|
6790cfs |
Brier Creek Near Waynesboro
|
399cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
741cfs |
Beaverdam Creek Near Sardis
|
7cfs |
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.
D.O.E. Savannah River Pond 5