Newman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newman, located in Bradley, Tennessee, is a private Earth dam situated on Brymer Creek with a structural height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet.


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Summary

This dam, owned by a private entity, falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Tennessee with no state regulatory agency overseeing its operations. Despite being marked as a significant hazard potential, Newman has not been rated for its condition assessment and last underwent inspection in July 2017.

The dam's uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates raise concerns about its ability to manage water discharge effectively, especially in emergency situations. While Newman's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3), there is no documented emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared for this structure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts monitoring Newman should advocate for increased safety measures and regular inspections to ensure the dam's integrity and mitigate potential risks to surrounding communities.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, it is crucial to stay informed about Newman's condition and advocate for improved risk management measures to protect the environment and local communities. Monitoring its maintenance, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment processes can help prevent potential disasters and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the Bradley, Tennessee area. Stay engaged with local authorities and stakeholders to promote transparency and accountability in the management of Newman dam and other critical infrastructure.

River Or Stream

BRYMER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.