Compensating Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Compensating Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 75 ft (taller than 97.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 392 acres |
| Drainage Area | 61 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00371 |
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
Metropolitan District Commission
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Woodlands Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 9 ftNew Hartford Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftSaville Dam
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High Hazard 137 ftCobble Hill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftAtwood Swamp Pond
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Significant Hazard 8 ftNepaug Dam
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High Hazard 115 ftLaurel Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 28 ftRizzo Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Compensating Reservoir Dam?
Compensating 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 Compensating Reservoir Dam?
Compensating 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 Compensating Reservoir Dam built?
Compensating Reservoir Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Compensating Reservoir Dam?
Compensating 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 Compensating Reservoir Dam?
Compensating Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 75 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 Compensating Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Compensating Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.