Curtis Pond Dam

CURTIS POND BROOK· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1856· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Curtis Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1856 and is 170 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 58.6% in CT)
Dam Length240 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage32 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge620 cfs
Year Completed1856 (170 years old)
Year Modified2004
NID IDCT00312

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: April 11, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Newtown

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Curtis Pond Dam?

Curtis Pond 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 Curtis Pond Dam?

Curtis Pond Dam is owned by Town of Newtown (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Curtis Pond Dam built?

Curtis Pond Dam was completed in 1856, making it 170 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 Curtis Pond Dam?

Curtis Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Curtis Pond Dam?

Curtis Pond Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Curtis Pond Dam last inspected?

Curtis Pond Dam was last inspected on April 11, 2013. 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.