Comerio I Dam

LA PLATA RIVER· Comerío, Puerto Rico· Built 1907· Gravity· 47 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Comerio I Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 47 ft (taller than 8.3% in PR)
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage500 acre-ft
Normal Storage500 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area136 sq mi
Max Discharge19,970 cfs
Year Completed1907 (119 years old)
NID IDPR00019

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: September 17, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: PREPA

Ownership

MUNICIPALITY OF COMERIO

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Comerio I Dam?

Comerio I Dam 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 Comerio I Dam?

Comerio I Dam is owned by MUNICIPALITY OF COMERIO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Comerio I Dam built?

Comerio I Dam was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Comerio I Dam?

Comerio I Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Comerio I Dam?

Comerio I Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Comerio I Dam last inspected?

Comerio I Dam was last inspected on September 17, 2019. 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.