Spiveys Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spiveys Millpond Dam, located in Dillon, South Carolina, was completed in 1810 and serves as a recreational site along the Cowpen Swamp.


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Summary

This private dam is primarily used for recreation, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 250 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 28 acre-feet.

Despite its age, Spiveys Millpond Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The last recorded inspection of the dam took place in May 2002, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years.

As a historic structure with a rich past, Spiveys Millpond Dam continues to be a valuable resource for the community, providing both recreational opportunities and a glimpse into the region's engineering heritage. With its peaceful setting and low hazard potential, this dam is a fascinating site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Year Completed

1810

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

COWPEN SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.