Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sheep Springs Dam Cow Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons in Lind, Washington, is a significant water resource managed by the local government and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology.
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Summary
These lagoons were designed by E & H Engineering and completed in the year 2000, serving as a vital infrastructure for the treatment and storage of wastewater in the region. With a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a storage capacity of 395 acre-feet, these lagoons play a crucial role in maintaining the water quality of Paha Creek and surrounding areas.
The Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons are classified as earth dams with stone cores and soil foundations, standing at a structural height of 9 feet and a length of 5000 feet. Despite being in fair condition as assessed in September 2021, these lagoons have a significant hazard potential and undergo inspections every five years to ensure their continued safety and functionality. With a normal storage capacity of 302.5 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3.6 cubic feet per second, these lagoons are essential for the proper management of wastewater in Adams County, Washington.
As part of the emergency preparedness measures, the Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, last revised in January 2020. While the lagoons meet regulatory guidelines, there are no inundation maps prepared, and further risk assessment and management measures may be needed to address potential hazards. With Congressman Dan Newhouse representing the area in Congressional District 04, the Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons continue to be a critical component of water resource management in the region, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
5000 |
River Or Stream |
Paha Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
395 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Coal Creek At Mohler
|
1cfs |
Crab Creek At Irby
|
2cfs |
Palouse River At Hooper
|
574cfs |
Crab Creek Near Moses Lake
|
28cfs |
Wilson Creek Below Corbett Draw Near Almira
|
0cfs |
Tucannon River Near Starbuck
|
192cfs |
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.
Ritzville Wastewater Lagoons