Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam

Pacock Brook· Sussex, New Jersey· Built 1896· Masonry· 44 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 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 44 ft (taller than 96% in NJ)
Dam Length330 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Normal Storage7.4K acre-ft
Surface Area302 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
NID IDNJ00561

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: December 1, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

City of Newark, Department of Water and Sewer Utilities

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam?

Canistear Reservoir #2 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 Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam?

Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam is owned by City of Newark, Department of Water and Sewer Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam built?

Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam?

Canistear Reservoir #2 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 Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam?

Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam last inspected?

Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2021. 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.