Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds
Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds is an earth dam located in Kern County, California, built in 1984. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds
The primary purpose of Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds 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 Rio Tinto (private). It impounds the Offstream.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 10,383 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 242 acre-feet. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 03/26/2025.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Kern |
| River/Stream | Offstream |
| Coordinates | 35.03440, -117.73800 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 10,383 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 242 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 242 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Rio Tinto |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/26/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01190 |
| Federal ID | CA01190 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |