Newark Reservoir Dam
Newark Reservoir Dam is a gravity dam located in New Castle County, Delaware, built in 2005. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Newark Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Newark Reservoir 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 Newark (local government). It impounds the White Clay Creek-tr near Newark.
The dam stands 70 feet tall and stretches 6,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,582 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2005, the structure is relatively new.
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 10/11/2024.
At 70 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
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 Delaware 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 | Delaware |
| County | New Castle |
| Nearest City | Newark |
| River/Stream | White Clay Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 39.69292, -75.74555 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 2005 (21 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,582 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,582 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 976 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 180 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF NEWARK |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | DE00104 |
| Federal ID | DE00104 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |