Indian Run

INDIAN RUN· Berks, Pennsylvania· Built 1890· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Indian Run is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 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 40 ft (taller than 77.2% in PA)
Dam Length430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage92 acre-ft
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDPA00713

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: August 22, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

BIRDSBORO MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Indian Run?

Indian Run 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 Indian Run?

Indian Run is owned by BIRDSBORO MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Indian Run built?

Indian Run was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Indian Run?

Indian Run 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 Indian Run?

Indian Run has a dam height of 40 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 Indian Run last inspected?

Indian Run was last inspected on August 22, 2018. 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.