Bests Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bests Pond Dam, also known as Dillon/Metts Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 530 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bests Pond Dam is rated as having a poor condition as of its last inspection in July 2017. The dam has a drainage area of 12 acres and is situated along the TR-Bull Swamp Creek. While it does not have a spillway, the dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community. With its unique design as an earth dam with buttress core types, Bests Pond Dam remains an important landmark in the area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate its engineering and environmental significance.
As efforts continue to maintain and improve the condition of Bests Pond Dam, it serves as a reminder of the essential role that dams play in providing recreational opportunities and managing water resources. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, this structure exemplifies the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship. For enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Bests Pond Dam offers a fascinating case study of the intersection between infrastructure, recreation, and natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BULL SWAMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Bests Pond Dam