Tarrants Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tarrants Millpond Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a private earth dam built in 1910 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 350 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Upper Three Runs River and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).

Despite its recreational primary purpose, Tarrants Millpond Dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in August 2017. The dam is in need of maintenance and repairs to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are not currently in place, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with the dam.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tarrants Millpond Dam serves as a poignant example of the importance of proper dam maintenance and oversight. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the need for robust inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness measures for dams like Tarrants Millpond becomes increasingly critical to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

UPPER THREE RUNS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Nid Storage

95

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.