Brewster Pond Dam

BARTLETT BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1854· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Brewster Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 50.2% in CT)
Dam Length480 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage331 acre-ft
Surface Area66 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge480 cfs
Year Completed1854 (172 years old)
NID IDCT00555

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: May 13, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brewster Pond Dam?

Brewster 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 Brewster Pond Dam?

Brewster Pond Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Brewster Pond Dam built?

Brewster Pond Dam was completed in 1854, making it 172 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 Brewster Pond Dam?

Brewster 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 Brewster Pond Dam?

Brewster Pond Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Brewster Pond Dam last inspected?

Brewster Pond Dam was last inspected on May 13, 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.