Ethel Springs
Ethel Springs is an earth dam located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, built in 1900. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Ethel Springs
The primary purpose of Ethel Springs 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 Derry Borough Municipal Authority (local government). It impounds the Tr Mcgee Run.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 34 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 493 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1900, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/14/2020.
At 43 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 Pennsylvania 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 | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| River/Stream | Tr Mcgee Run |
| Coordinates | 40.33861, -79.30722 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 493 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 493 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 357 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 34 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | DERRY BOROUGH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/14/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | PA01121 |
| Federal ID | PA01121 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |