Carolina Living Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Carolina Living Dam, located in Lexington, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 220 feet, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. Situated on Bull Swamp Creek, the dam offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and possible upgrades to ensure its long-term stability. The last inspection in 2017 revealed this concerning assessment, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure. With its proximity to Joe Wilson's congressional district and the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Carolina Living Dam lies at the intersection of regulatory oversight and community engagement in water resource management.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of dams like Carolina Living Dam is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure. By advocating for proper maintenance, inspection, and risk management measures for structures like Carolina Living Dam, we can contribute to the resilience of our water resources and the communities that rely on them.
Dam Length |
220 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BULL SWAMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
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.
Carolina Living Dam