Norwalk Lower Reservoir
Norwalk Lower Reservoir is an earth dam located in Huron County, Ohio, built in 1896. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Norwalk Lower Reservoir
The primary purpose of Norwalk Lower Reservoir 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 Norwalk (local government). It impounds the Norwalk Creek - Offstream near Norwalk.
The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 790 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 31 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 439 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1896, 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 05/18/2021.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% 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 Ohio 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 | Ohio |
| County | Huron |
| Nearest City | Norwalk |
| River/Stream | Norwalk Creek - Offstream |
| Coordinates | 41.23972, -82.59028 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 790 ft |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 439 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 439 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 318 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Norwalk |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/18/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00763 |
| Federal ID | OH00763 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |