Wateree
Wateree is a gravity dam located in Kershaw County, South Carolina, built in 1919. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wateree
The primary purpose of Wateree is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Duke Energy (public utility). It impounds the Catawba River near Camden, Sc.
The dam stands 92 feet tall and stretches 1,370 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 13,250 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 262,394 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,750 square miles. Completed in 1919, 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 08/05/2024.
At 92 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 South Carolina 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 | South Carolina |
| County | Kershaw |
| Nearest City | Camden, Sc |
| River/Stream | Catawba River |
| Coordinates | 34.33760, -80.70041 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 92 ft |
| Dam Height | 92 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,370 ft |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 262,394 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 262,394 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 262,394 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,750 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 987,450 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/05/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC00485 |
| Federal ID | SC00485 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |