Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam
Key Takeaway
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 10 ft (taller than 3.8% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 24,603 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 700 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04789 |
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
HIDALGO & CAMERON COUNTIES IRRIGATION DISTRICT 9
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam?
Mercedes District Settling Basin 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 Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam?
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam is owned by HIDALGO & CAMERON COUNTIES IRRIGATION DISTRICT 9 (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam built?
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam?
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam?
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam last inspected?
Mercedes District Settling Basin Dam was last inspected on April 2, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.