Aiken Reservoir Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1983 and serves as a vital water supply source for the local community. The dam, primarily made of earth with stone core types and a soil foundation, stands at a height of 45 feet and spans a length of 1150 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 1254 acre-feet and a surface area of 87 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Aiken Reservoir Dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment. The dam undergoes inspections every three years, with the most recent assessment taking place in December 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of supplying water to the community, highlighting the importance of effective dam maintenance and risk management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Aiken Reservoir Dam becomes increasingly crucial. With the potential for more frequent extreme weather events and rising water levels, ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment measures are essential to safeguarding the dam and the surrounding communities it serves. Collaborative efforts between local government agencies, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders will be essential in addressing the evolving challenges facing water resources and climate resilience in the region.