Mays Chapel Reservoir
Mays Chapel Reservoir is an earth dam located in Baltimore County, Maryland, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mays Chapel Reservoir
The primary purpose of Mays Chapel Reservoir is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Baltimore City Dept Of Public Works (local government). It impounds the Offstream.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/03/2024.
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 Maryland 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 | Maryland |
| County | Baltimore |
| River/Stream | Offstream |
| Coordinates | 39.44650, -76.65090 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Baltimore City Dept of Public Works |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/03/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MD00406 |
| Federal ID | MD00406 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |