Bickford Pond Dike
Key Takeaway
Bickford Pond Dike is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 507 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 162 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01022 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CITY OF FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Bickford Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 51 ftMare Meadow Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 40 ftBems Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftNoyes Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftCross Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftLovewell Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftEcho Lake Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftEllis Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bickford Pond Dike?
Bickford Pond Dike is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bickford Pond Dike?
Bickford Pond Dike is owned by CITY OF FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bickford Pond Dike built?
Bickford Pond Dike was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Bickford Pond Dike?
Bickford Pond Dike serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bickford Pond Dike?
Bickford Pond Dike has a dam height of 17 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 Bickford Pond Dike last inspected?
Bickford Pond Dike was last inspected on June 14, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.