Aquilla Dam, also known as Aquilla Lake, is a federal-owned structure in Waco, Texas, designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and completed in 1983 for flood risk reduction along Aquilla Creek. Standing at 104 feet high and spanning 11,800 feet in length, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 420,840 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. However, despite its risk reduction measures, the dam still faces a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment due to potential flooding scenarios that could impact downstream communities, particularly the City of Waco located 25 river miles below.

To mitigate these risks, the USACE implements rigorous surveillance, regular inspections, and routine maintenance to ensure the structural integrity and safety of Aquilla Dam. The Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated and exercised, enhancing emergency response capabilities and coordination with various stakeholders. Despite the potential risks associated with the dam, the proactive risk management measures, including effective communication of risks with stakeholders and emergency managers, aim to reduce the likelihood of a dam breach and minimize the potential impacts on downstream communities in the event of a major flood event or structural failure. Aquilla Dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure for flood control and water management in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.