Canoe Brook Dam

Passaic River-TR· Essex, New Jersey· Built 1880· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Canoe Brook Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.9% in NJ)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage160 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge26 cfs
Year Completed1880 (146 years old)
NID IDNJ00165

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: August 31, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

City of East Orange, Board of Water Commissioners

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Canoe Brook Dam?

Canoe Brook 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 Canoe Brook Dam?

Canoe Brook Dam is owned by City of East Orange, Board of Water Commissioners (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Canoe Brook Dam built?

Canoe Brook Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Canoe Brook Dam?

Canoe Brook 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 Canoe Brook Dam?

Canoe Brook Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Canoe Brook Dam last inspected?

Canoe Brook Dam was last inspected on August 31, 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.