Bladens River Dam

BLADENS RIVER· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1906· Masonry· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Bladens River Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 42.4% in CT)
Dam Length330 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage17 acre-ft
Normal Storage13 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge940 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDCT00602

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 6, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Beach Properties Limited

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bladens River Dam?

Bladens River 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 Bladens River Dam?

Bladens River Dam is owned by Beach Properties Limited (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bladens River Dam built?

Bladens River Dam was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Bladens River Dam?

Bladens River Dam 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 Bladens River Dam?

Bladens River Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Bladens River Dam last inspected?

Bladens River Dam was last inspected on August 6, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.