Belmont Raw Water Basin

WTRSHD SCHUYLKILL RIVER· Philadelphia, Pennsylvania· Built 1901· Earth· 30 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Belmont Raw Water Basin is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 65% in PA)
Dam Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage220 acre-ft
Normal Storage145 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Year Completed1901 (125 years old)
NID IDPA01775

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 12, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Belmont Raw Water Basin?

Belmont Raw Water Basin is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Belmont Raw Water Basin?

Belmont Raw Water Basin is owned by PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Belmont Raw Water Basin built?

Belmont Raw Water Basin was completed in 1901, making it 125 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Belmont Raw Water Basin?

Belmont Raw Water Basin serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Belmont Raw Water Basin?

Belmont Raw Water Basin has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Belmont Raw Water Basin last inspected?

Belmont Raw Water Basin was last inspected on August 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.