Hamburg Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Hamburg Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 53 ft (taller than 86.1% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 106 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00718 |
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
HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Hamburg Flood Control (Pa-477)
Berks, PA
High Hazard 52 ftHamburg Flood Control (Pa-476)
Berks, PA
High Hazard 46 ftKaercher Creek (Pa 478)
Berks, PA
High Hazard 56 ftNew Kernsville
Berks, PA
High Hazard 45 ftChristman
Berks, PA
High Hazard 27 ftKoenigs Creek (Pa-425)
Schuylkill, PA
High Hazard 25 ftDeer Lake
Schuylkill, PA
High Hazard 12 ftLeaser Lake
Lehigh, PA
High Hazard 56 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hamburg Reservoir?
Hamburg 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 Hamburg Reservoir?
Hamburg Reservoir is owned by HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hamburg Reservoir built?
Hamburg Reservoir was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Hamburg Reservoir?
Hamburg 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 Hamburg Reservoir?
Hamburg Reservoir has a dam height of 53 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 Hamburg Reservoir last inspected?
Hamburg Reservoir was last inspected on November 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.