Bell Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Bell Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 4 ft (taller than 0.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 65 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 54 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1840 (186 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00148 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Bear Brook Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftGreen Hill Pond Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftSalisbury Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftQuinsigamond Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftIndian Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftOld Mill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftStringer Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftNewton Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bell Pond Dam?
Bell Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bell Pond Dam?
Bell Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bell Pond Dam built?
Bell Pond Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bell Pond Dam?
Bell Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bell Pond Dam?
Bell Pond Dam has a dam height of 4 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bell Pond Dam last inspected?
Bell Pond Dam was last inspected on February 2, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.