Newark Low Head Dam

NORTH FORK LICKING RIVER· Licking, Ohio· Built 1960· Concrete· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Newark Low Head Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 33.3% in OH)
Dam Length175 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage76 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area230 sq mi
Max Discharge21,000 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDOH00808

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 9, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Newark

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Newark Low Head Dam?

Newark Low Head 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 Newark Low Head Dam?

Newark Low Head Dam is owned by City of Newark (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Newark Low Head Dam built?

Newark Low Head Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Newark Low Head Dam?

Newark Low Head Dam 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 Newark Low Head Dam?

Newark Low Head Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Newark Low Head Dam last inspected?

Newark Low Head Dam was last inspected on December 9, 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.