Port Jervis Reservoir #1 Dam

Port Jervis Reservoir #1 Dam is an earth dam located in Orange County, New York, built in 1869. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Port Jervis Reservoir #1 Dam

The primary purpose of Port Jervis Reservoir #1 Dam 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 City Of Port Jervis (local government). It impounds the Tr-neversink River near Port Jervis.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 230 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 550 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1869, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/02/2025.

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 New York 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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyOrange
Nearest CityPort Jervis
River/StreamTr-neversink River
Coordinates41.38972, -74.69083

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Dam Length230 ft
Year Completed1869 (157 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage550 acre-ft
Max Storage550 acre-ft
Normal Storage198 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCITY OF PORT JERVIS
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/02/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY01220
Federal IDNY01220
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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