Norwalk Lower Reservoir

NORWALK CREEK - OFFSTREAM· Huron, Ohio· Built 1896· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Norwalk Lower Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 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 34 ft (taller than 71.7% in OH)
Dam Length790 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage439 acre-ft
Normal Storage318 acre-ft
Surface Area31 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
NID IDOH00763

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: May 18, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Norwalk

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norwalk Lower Reservoir?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir 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 Norwalk Lower Reservoir?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir is owned by City of Norwalk (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Norwalk Lower Reservoir built?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Norwalk Lower Reservoir?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir 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 Norwalk Lower Reservoir?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir has a dam height of 34 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 Norwalk Lower Reservoir last inspected?

Norwalk Lower Reservoir was last inspected on May 18, 2021. 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.