Central
Central is an earth dam located in Alameda County, California, built in 1910. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Central
The primary purpose of Central 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 East Bay Municipal Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Offstream.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 929 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 485 acre-feet. Completed in 1910, the structure is over a century 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 10/23/2024.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 California 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 | California |
| County | Alameda |
| River/Stream | Offstream |
| Coordinates | 37.79570, -122.22400 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 929 ft |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 485 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 485 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/23/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00162 |
| Federal ID | CA00162 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |