Union City Reservoir

BENTLEY RUN· Erie, Pennsylvania· Built 1935· Earth· 36 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Union City Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage632 acre-ft
Normal Storage320 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
NID IDPA00019

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: December 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Ownership

UNION CITY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Union City Reservoir?

Union City 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 Union City Reservoir?

Union City Reservoir is owned by UNION CITY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Union City Reservoir built?

Union City Reservoir was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Union City Reservoir?

Union City Reservoir 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 Union City Reservoir?

Union City Reservoir 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 Union City Reservoir last inspected?

Union City Reservoir was last inspected on December 3, 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.