Midlothian Balancing Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Midlothian Balancing Reservoir Dam, located in Ellis County, Texas, is a crucial water resource infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).


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Summary

With a dam height of 34 feet and a storage capacity of 1,654 acre-feet, this buttress dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply, making it unique in its design and function.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a high risk (2) according to the Hazard Potential and Risk Assessment criteria. The absence of a spillway and limited information on its construction year and other structural details raise questions about its resilience to extreme weather events and the potential impact on surrounding areas in case of a dam failure. As climate change continues to amplify the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of maintaining and upgrading such critical infrastructure becomes increasingly evident.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Midlothian Balancing Reservoir Dam presents an intriguing case study of a lesser-known dam type and its role in managing water resources in a changing climate. With a focus on risk management and resilience, further investigation into the dam's design, construction history, and emergency preparedness plans can provide valuable insights into how similar structures can adapt to climate challenges and ensure the safety and security of communities relying on them for water supply and flood control.

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Primary Dam Type

Other

Nid Storage

1654

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.