Broad Brook Reservoir Dam

BROAD BROOK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1913· Concrete· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Broad Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 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 40 ft (taller than 93.7% in CT)
Dam Length215 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage3.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.9K acre-ft
Surface Area422 acres
Drainage Area55 sq mi
Max Discharge1,450 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDCT00301

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

City of Meriden

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Broad Brook Reservoir Dam?

Broad 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 Broad Brook Reservoir Dam?

Broad Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Meriden (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Broad Brook Reservoir Dam built?

Broad Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Broad Brook Reservoir Dam?

Broad 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 Broad Brook Reservoir Dam?

Broad Brook Reservoir 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 Broad Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Broad Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2017. 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.