Mercer Dry Reservoir Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Mercer Dry Reservoir Levee in Cameron, Texas, is a private irrigation dam completed in 1953 along the Resaca de la Fresnos river.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 7 feet and a length of 12,500 feet, the earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 2,000 acre-feet. Despite being regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the dam has not been rated for its condition and carries a high risk assessment level.

Located in the Galveston District, the Mercer Dry Reservoir Levee lacks a spillway and other associated structures. While there have been no modifications reported since its construction, the dam is equipped with one outlet gate. The last inspection took place in 1976, raising concerns about the dam's current condition and the potential hazards it poses. As a significant water resource in the area, the Mercer Dry Reservoir Levee's risk management measures and emergency preparedness remain unclear, underscoring the need for further assessment and planning to ensure public safety and water sustainability.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

12500

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

RESACA DE LA FRESNOS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

2000

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

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.