Edisto Lake Dam

GIDDY SWAMP CREEK· Aiken, South Carolina· Built 1974· 35 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Edisto Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 35 ft (taller than 87.9% in SC)
Max Storage2.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.5K acre-ft
Surface Area192 acres
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDSC00361

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: May 24, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

EDISTO LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Ray Lucas Dam

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Low Hazard 18 ft

Starnes/Brown Dam

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Low Hazard 17 ft

Collums Millpond Dam

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Low Hazard 14 ft

Malcolm B Rawls Dam

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Bignon Pond Dam

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O'Neal Miller Dam

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Gantts Pond Dam

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Stone Dam

Lexington, SC

Low Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Edisto Lake Dam?

Edisto Lake 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 Edisto Lake Dam?

Edisto Lake Dam is owned by EDISTO LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Edisto Lake Dam built?

Edisto Lake Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Edisto Lake Dam?

Edisto Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Edisto Lake Dam?

Edisto Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Edisto Lake Dam last inspected?

Edisto Lake Dam was last inspected on May 24, 2022. 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.