Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 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 | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 970 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01113 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam?
Chestnut Hill 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 Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam?
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam built?
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam?
Chestnut Hill 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 Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam?
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 19, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.