Borden Brook Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 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 | 75 ft (taller than 98.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 211 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1909 (117 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00067 |
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 SPRINGFIELD, WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Hampden, MA
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High Hazard 245 ftTrout Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 11 ftSpringfield Water Works Intake Dam
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Low Hazard 59 ftRussell Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftBlack Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
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High Hazard 60 ftChamonix Chalet Dam
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Low Hazard 24 ftGranville Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 85 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Borden Brook Reservoir Dam?
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam 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 Borden Brook Reservoir Dam?
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Borden Brook Reservoir Dam built?
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Borden Brook Reservoir Dam?
Borden Brook Reservoir 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 Borden Brook Reservoir Dam?
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 75 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 Borden Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Borden Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 7, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.