Marshwood

LITTLE ROARING BROOK· Lackawanna, Pennsylvania· Built 1927· Earth· 14 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Marshwood is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 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	14 ft (taller than 23.9% in PA)
Dam Length	1,220 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	286 acre-ft
Normal Storage	113 acre-ft

Surface Area	37 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Year Completed	1927 (99 years old)
NID ID	PA00365

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: June 16, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Marshwood?

Marshwood 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 Marshwood?

Marshwood is owned by PA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Marshwood built?

Marshwood was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Marshwood?

Marshwood 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 Marshwood?

Marshwood has a dam height of 14 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 Marshwood last inspected?

Marshwood was last inspected on June 16, 2020. 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.