Main Reservoir Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Main Reservoir Levee in Brownsville, Texas, is a crucial structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).


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Summary

Completed in 1914, this Earth-type levee stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches over 20,000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet primarily used for irrigation purposes.

Located off the CH-Resaca de la Palma river or stream, the Main Reservoir Levee has a surface area of 575 acres and a drainage area of 9 square miles. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition but is considered to have a high risk potential. With no spillway and a hazard potential that is not available, the structure is equipped with four slide gates for water discharge.

Given its importance in water resource management and its role in irrigation in the region, the Main Reservoir Levee is a critical asset that requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the community it serves.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

20000

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

OFF CH-RESACA DE LA PALMA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

575

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

4500

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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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.