Lake Waterford Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Waterford Dam is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 36.5% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 507 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 166 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 66 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,468 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
| NID ID | MD00151 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Anne Arundel Co-Lake Waterford Park
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Park Retreat Swm Pond
Anne Arundel, MD
Low Hazard 20 ftChartwell Country Club Dam
Anne Arundel, MD
Significant Hazard 22 ftShipleys Crossing North Dam 2 (Wherry Ct)
Anne Arundel, MD
Significant Hazard 14 ftShipleys Crossing North Dam 1 (Galiot Dr)
Anne Arundel, MD
Significant Hazard 9 ftCox Creek Dmcf
Anne Arundel, MD
Low Hazard 36 ftCristal Global Hawkins Point Plant Settling Basins
Anne Arundel, MD
Low Hazard 21 ftSaefern Dam
Anne Arundel, MD
Low Hazard 26 ftBwi Pond B12
Anne Arundel, MD
Significant Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Waterford Dam?
Lake Waterford Dam 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 Lake Waterford Dam?
Lake Waterford Dam is owned by Anne Arundel Co-Lake Waterford Park (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Waterford Dam built?
Lake Waterford Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Lake Waterford Dam?
Lake Waterford Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Waterford Dam?
Lake Waterford Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Lake Waterford Dam last inspected?
Lake Waterford Dam was last inspected on October 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.