Fresh Water Lake

Macoupin, Illinois· Earth· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Fresh Water Lake is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 54.6% in IL)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
NID IDIL83455

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

FREEMAN UNITED COAL MINING CO

Private

Nearby Dams

Settling Pond

Macoupin, IL

Low Hazard 25 ft

Clarified Water Pond

Macoupin, IL

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Fine Refuse Pond

Macoupin, IL

Low Hazard 23 ft

Springfield Coal/Crown 3/North Refuse Dam

Montgomery, IL

High Hazard 34 ft

Springfield Coal/Crown 3/Fine Refuse Ext 2 Dam

Macoupin, IL

High Hazard 27 ft

Springfield Coal/Crown3/Fine Refuse Pond Extension

Montgomery, IL

Low Hazard 30 ft

Springfield Coal/Crown3/North Refuse Extension Dam

Montgomery, IL

High Hazard 35 ft

Springfield Coal/Crown 2/Coarse Refuse Exterior

Macoupin, IL

Low Hazard 21 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fresh Water Lake?

Fresh Water Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Fresh Water Lake?

Fresh Water Lake is owned by FREEMAN UNITED COAL MINING CO (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Fresh Water Lake?

Fresh Water Lake 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 Fresh Water Lake?

Fresh Water Lake has a dam height of 28 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.

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.