Swfwmd Scott Lake Structure
Swfwmd Scott Lake Structure is an earth dam located in Polk County, Florida. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Swfwmd Scott Lake Structure
The primary purpose of Swfwmd Scott Lake Structure is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Swfwmd (local government). It impounds the Scott Lake near Lake Highlands.
The dam stands 7 feet tall and stretches 610 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 292 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,810 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/21/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Florida dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Florida |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Lake Highlands |
| River/Stream | Scott Lake |
| Coordinates | 27.96650, -81.95026 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 7 ft |
| Dam Height | 7 ft |
| Dam Length | 610 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,810 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,810 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 292 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | SWFWMD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/21/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | FL13346 |
| Federal ID | FL13346 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |