Brockton Reservoir Dam

BEAVER BROOK· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Built 1885· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Brockton Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length1,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage890 acre-ft
Surface Area93 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDMA00786

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: No
Last Inspection: February 28, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brockton Reservoir Dam?

Brockton Reservoir 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 Brockton Reservoir Dam?

Brockton Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Brockton Reservoir Dam built?

Brockton Reservoir 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 Brockton Reservoir Dam?

Brockton 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 Brockton Reservoir Dam?

Brockton Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Brockton Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Brockton Reservoir Dam was last inspected on February 28, 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.