Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam

Bush Creek· Lee, North Carolina· Built 1993· Earth·
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1993 and is 33 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 Length3,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage234 acre-ft
Normal Storage194 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge28 cfs
Year Completed1993 (33 years old)
NID IDNC03259

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: March 8, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

City of Sanford

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam?

Sanford Raw Water Reservoir 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 Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam?

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

When was Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam built?

Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam was completed in 1993, making it 33 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 Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam?

Sanford Raw Water Reservoir 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.

When was Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Sanford Raw Water Reservoir Dam was last inspected on March 8, 2023. 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.