Cold Brook Reservoir Dam

COLD BROOK· Hartford, Connecticut· Built 1919· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 50.2% in CT)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage52 acre-ft
Normal Storage52 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge1,085 cfs
Year Completed1919 (107 years old)
NID IDCT01660

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: July 25, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Metropolitan District Commission

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by Metropolitan District Commission (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cold Brook Reservoir Dam built?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on July 25, 2016. 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.