Lake Michie Dam

The Lake Michie Dam was designed by William Piatt, and was part of a series of public works projects to upgrade the water supply and treatment in the later part of the 1920s. The construction of the Dam shifted Durham's water supply away from the Eno River to the Flat River. Lake Michie was named for John C. Michie, who was superindendent of the Durham Water Works during the 1920s.

Beginning of Lake Michie Dam construction, 1925.

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

Accidental Break in temporary dam, 1926 (Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

(Durham County Library)

Hunter, Michie, Piatt, and Lloyd (Durham County Library)

Interior of Pump House. (Durham County Library)

Piatt was advanced in his quest for energy efficiency / self-sufficiency for his plants, and the Lake Michie Dam included hydroelectric generators that powered the plant and supplied power to Durham until they were removed in 1960.

Pump House and Dam (USGS)

Low water (COD)

Dam at the end of Lake Michie.

Water side of the dam, 05.11.14 (G. Kueber)

Water side of the gates, 05.11.14 (G. Kueber)