Swfwmd Structure P-8 (hamilton) Water Conservation

About Swfwmd Structure P-8 (hamilton) Water Conservation

The primary purpose of Swfwmd Structure P-8 (hamilton) Water Conservation 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 Swfwmd (state). It impounds the Peace Creek Canal near Winter Haven.

The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 90 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,640 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 38,280 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/15/2024.

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.