Z. Drum Reservoir Report
Nearby: D. Ulrich William Baxter
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
Drum, a privately owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, has been a key water resource structure since its completion in 1935. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 750 feet, this dam serves to regulate the flow of the TR-MOREAU river and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Although the condition assessment of Z. Drum is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance assessments. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the structure is also not up to date, raising concerns about its readiness in the event of a disaster. However, with no associated structures and a low risk assessment, Z. Drum remains a vital component of water management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of structures like Z. Drum is crucial for maintaining a sustainable water supply in South Dakota.
In the absence of federal funding or oversight, the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Z. Drum falls entirely on its private owner. With no designated purpose or associated agencies, the dam stands as a reminder of the importance of local stewardship in water resource management. As water levels and extreme weather events become more unpredictable, the role of structures like Z. Drum in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability will only grow in significance for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Z. Drum