Royal Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans a length of 375 feet, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Hollow Creek, is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively.

Despite its critical flood risk reduction function, Royal Lake Dam also offers recreational opportunities, showcasing its multifaceted impact on the local community. With a surface area of 9 acres and normal storage of 54 acre-feet, the dam provides a tranquil backdrop for outdoor activities and wildlife habitat. The dam's fair condition assessment, last conducted in November 2020, underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard its integrity and ensure public safety in the face of potential emergencies.

Managed by a private entity, Royal Lake Dam serves as a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the region, highlighting the intersection of human intervention and natural processes. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and precipitation levels, the role of dams like Royal Lake in mitigating flood risks and providing recreational opportunities becomes increasingly significant. With a high hazard potential and a comprehensive inspection and regulatory framework in place, Royal Lake Dam stands as a testament to the careful balance between water resource management and environmental stewardship.