Lake Williams
Key Takeaway
Lake Williams is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 | 58 ft (taller than 88% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 45 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00338 |
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
YORK WATER COMPANY
Private
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Significant Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Williams?
Lake Williams 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 Lake Williams?
Lake Williams is owned by YORK WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Williams built?
Lake Williams was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Williams?
Lake Williams 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 Williams?
Lake Williams has a dam height of 58 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 Williams last inspected?
Lake Williams was last inspected on March 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.