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Lake Berkeley Dam

About the Dam

  • When the Lake Berkeley Dam was constructed in 1948, it was the second largest earthen dam in the State of Georgia. Shortly after it's construction, it was raised an additional 17 feet.
  • In 1974, the Lake Berkeley Dam was deeded to the City of Berkeley Lake.
  • During the late 1970s, there was found to be unchecked vegetation and seepage problems were noted on the dam.
  • In 1982, the city held a dam bond referendum to repair the dam at a cost of $170,000.
  • In 1987, the city sponsored a 'Dam Good Party' to celebrate retiring the dam repair bond.
  • In September 2009, the city experienced a 500-year rain. Shortly thereafter, the dam developed a slough. The lake was lowered 10 feet to address safety concerns and to mitigate further damage.The city embarked on a multi-year process of renovating the dam, ending in 2014. 
The city has mowed the dam continuously since the 1980 renovation. In conjunction with the Georgia Safe Dams Program (SDP), the city has inspected the dam annually. The city continues to follow the SDP’s recommendations in its annual inspections program.