Pia Mill Reservoir

WAIHOHONU STREAM OFFSTREAM· Kauai, Hawaii· Built 1910· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Pia Mill Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 17 ft (taller than 7.1% in HI)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage39 acre-ft
Normal Storage31 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge440 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDHI00115

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: July 1, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DLNR

Ownership

Eric A. Knudsen Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pia Mill Reservoir?

Pia Mill 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 Pia Mill Reservoir?

Pia Mill Reservoir is owned by Eric A. Knudsen Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pia Mill Reservoir built?

Pia Mill Reservoir was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Pia Mill Reservoir?

Pia Mill Reservoir 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 Pia Mill Reservoir?

Pia Mill Reservoir has a dam height of 17 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 Pia Mill Reservoir last inspected?

Pia Mill Reservoir was last inspected on July 1, 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.