Edward Medard Reservoir Dam
Edward Medard Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Hillsborough, Florida, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Edward Medard Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Edward Medard Reservoir Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Hillsborough County (state). It impounds the Little Alafia River near Pleasant Grove.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 7,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 770 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 16,380 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 11/15/2024.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% 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 Florida 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 | Florida |
| County | Hillsborough |
| Nearest City | Pleasant Grove |
| River/Stream | Little Alafia River |
| Coordinates | 27.90999, -82.16879 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 7,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 16,380 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 16,380 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,280 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 770 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/15/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | FL00434 |
| Federal ID | FL00434 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |