Brighton
Key Takeaway
Brighton is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 82 ft (taller than 97.1% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 995 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 19.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 77 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 83,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | MD00005 |
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
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Highland Lake
Howard, MD
Low Hazard 22 ftSunshine Acres Pond
Montgomery, MD
Low Hazard 26 ftAshton Community Pond Dam
Montgomery, MD
Significant Hazard 22 ftHallowell Swm Dam
Montgomery, MD
Low Hazard 29 ftGreat Star Drive Swm Dam
Howard, MD
Low Hazard 20 ftHolly House Meadows Dam
Howard, MD
High Hazard 20 ftLinden Chapel Road SWM Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 16 ftGoldberg Pond
Montgomery, MD
Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Brighton?
Brighton 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 Brighton?
Brighton is owned by Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Brighton built?
Brighton was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Brighton?
Brighton serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Brighton?
Brighton has a dam height of 82 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 Brighton last inspected?
Brighton was last inspected on April 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.