October 31 Saxapahaw Dam Visit

Debris pile next to power plant

Many of the rivers I paddle have dams which once powered textile mills. This dam on the Haw River is one of those places. The textile mill in the town of Saxaphahaw NC first began operations in 1844. Later a more substantial brick mill building was constructed. That mill operated up to 1994 finally succumbing to the effects of a tornado which ripped the roof off. It last operated as Dixie Yarns. 

To power the mill, a dam was constructed on the Haw River and water was diverted in a sluice to a powerhouse which operated the mill. In 1938, the mill's power needs outstripped the ability of the powerhouse. A larger and much higher dam was constructed a bit further downriver, impounding 300 acres. That is the current day dam. The hydraulic turbine from the old powerhouse was moved to the new one and a second one was purchased and installed in 1939.

Grills at the turbine intake strain debris

A friend owns this dam along with two others on the Deep River in Randolph County. Since he is in the process of selling this one, he gathered up a group of friends to take a look at it and learn some of the history on Saxapahaw. Dam ownership and power generation is a cottage industry perfectly suited for mechanically minded entrepreneurs. The current trend is for larger private corporations to bundle dam ownership and market shares to investors. Hence, the opportunity for my friend to sell this powerplant and dam. Along with the dam comes the 300 acre dam impounded lake, all surrounding land to the 100 year high water line and about 20 acres adjacent to the dam. The local power company, Duke, is required by law to purchase the power generated here and fed onto the local energy grid. Bill says his dam powers about 600 local homes.

Turbines and control panel

I can't say I understand how this place works. Power generation is a rather complicated process to learn. Bill showed us how increasing the amount of water allowed to flow into the turbines effected the power generated. He has to maintain a balance between, voltage, amps, water intake and keeping the water level at a point which still allows 100 cfs of flow over the dam. 

Governor

Next to the turbine is a governor. Its purpose is to regulate the water flow to the turbine. It was essential when all of the power was used in the mill. When the mill's power load backed off, the governor would adjust the flow to create less power. These governors are not needed as much today since all power is going to a common grid and power flow is controlled once it is on the grid.

After touring the dam and powerhouse, we checked out the renovation of the mill building which has been converted to apartments, condominiums, a restaurant, pub, outdoor amphitheater and a ballroom in the former dye house. Bill did mention the river is cleaner today than when he first came to town. Then, the color of the river was determined by what color dye was being used upriver at the Moses Cone mill in Greensboro. The rocks in the river would be dyed that color until the next color came along.

Today, this is pretty town with a lot of potential. Its proximity to college town, Chapel Hill is a great asset.