Harwood'S Mill Dam
Key Takeaway
Harwood'S Mill Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 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 | 27 ft (taller than 56.5% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 274 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
| NID ID | VA199001 |
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 Newport News - Waterworks Department
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Harwood'S Mill Dam?
Harwood'S Mill 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 Harwood'S Mill Dam?
Harwood'S Mill Dam is owned by City of Newport News - Waterworks Department (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Harwood'S Mill Dam built?
Harwood'S Mill Dam was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Harwood'S Mill Dam?
Harwood'S Mill Dam 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 Harwood'S Mill Dam?
Harwood'S Mill Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Harwood'S Mill Dam last inspected?
Harwood'S Mill Dam was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.