Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam

POLAND RIVER· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1906· Earth· 40 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bristol Reservoir #4 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 40 ft (taller than 93.7% in CT)
Dam Length970 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage945 acre-ft
Normal Storage807 acre-ft
Surface Area45 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge760 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDCT00364

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 12, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

City of Bristol

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam?

Bristol Reservoir #4 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 Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam?

Bristol Reservoir #4 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 #4 Dam built?

Bristol Reservoir #4 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 Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam?

Bristol Reservoir #4 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 #4 Dam?

Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam has a dam height of 40 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 #4 Dam last inspected?

Bristol Reservoir #4 Dam was last inspected on May 12, 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.