Brighton Lake Dam
Brighton Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Macoupin County, Illinois. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Brighton Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Brighton Lake Dam 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 Ehrman, Tarrant And Bregenzer (private). It impounds the Trib West Fork Wood R near Brighton.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 265 feet across.
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. The most recent inspection on record was 04/30/2025.
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 Illinois 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 | Illinois |
| County | Macoupin |
| Nearest City | Brighton |
| River/Stream | Trib West Fork Wood R |
| Coordinates | 39.03951, -90.12413 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 265 ft |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | EHRMAN, TARRANT AND BREGENZER |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/30/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL50740 |
| Federal ID | IL50740 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |