Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam
Key Takeaway
Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 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 | 25 ft (taller than 83% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 348 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 348 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00008 |
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 Bristol
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Pequabuck River Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftEugene Park Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 2 ftOld Marsh Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
High Hazard 30 ftOrchard Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 4 ftFall Mountain Lake Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftBristol Reservoir #3 Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 14 ftMiddle Pond Dam and Dike
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftUpper Pond Dam (Also See 11112)
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam?
Bristol Reservoir #1 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 Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam?
Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam is owned by City of Bristol (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam built?
Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam?
Bristol Reservoir #1 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 Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam?
Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam last inspected?
Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam was last inspected on October 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.