Pickering Creek

PICKERING CREEK· Chester, Pennsylvania· Built 1928· Concrete· 36 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Pickering Creek is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 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 36 ft (taller than 73.4% in PA)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area105 acres
Drainage Area38 sq mi
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDPA00622

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: November 18, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

AQUA PENNSYLVANIA, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pickering Creek?

Pickering Creek 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 Pickering Creek?

Pickering Creek is owned by AQUA PENNSYLVANIA, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pickering Creek built?

Pickering Creek was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Pickering Creek?

Pickering Creek 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 Pickering Creek?

Pickering Creek has a dam height of 36 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 Pickering Creek last inspected?

Pickering Creek was last inspected on November 18, 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.