Egelman Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Egelman Reservoir 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 | 15 ft (taller than 27.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 21 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| NID ID | PA01428 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF READING - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Egelman Reservoir?
Egelman Reservoir 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 Egelman Reservoir?
Egelman Reservoir is owned by CITY OF READING - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Egelman Reservoir built?
Egelman Reservoir 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 Egelman Reservoir?
Egelman Reservoir 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 Egelman Reservoir?
Egelman Reservoir has a dam height of 15 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 Egelman Reservoir last inspected?
Egelman Reservoir was last inspected on April 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.