Municipal Reservoir Lower Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Municipal Reservoir Lower Dam is a historic structure located in Brownwood, Texas, along the Pecan Bayou.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this gravity dam stands at 15 feet tall and spans 140 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 195 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is irrigation, it also serves for recreation and water supply in the region. Managed by local government authorities, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite being over a century old, the dam has not been rated for its condition and poses a high risk due to its age and outdated design. With no spillway and limited discharge capacity, there are concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events and prevent potential flooding downstream. Even though it has not been modified in recent years, the dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure for the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness measures.
As an integral part of the local water resource system, Municipal Reservoir Lower Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and recreational opportunities in the area. With its location in a high-risk zone and limited hazard potential information available, there is a need for proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's resilience and safeguard against potential disasters. Collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, engineers, and the community, is essential to address the dam's vulnerabilities and enhance its long-term sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
140 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
PECAN BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
2.55 |
Nid Storage |
195 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pecan Bayou Nr Cross Cut
|
436cfs |
Pecan Bayou Nr Mullin
|
1cfs |
Jim Ned Ck At Cr 140 Nr Coleman
|
0cfs |
Hords Ck Nr Coleman
|
0cfs |
Copperas Ck At Fm 2247 Nr Comanche
|
3cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hasse
|
2cfs |
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.
Municipal Reservoir Lower Dam
Lk Brownwood Nr Brownwood