Factory Pond Dam

NORWALK RIVER· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1874· Earth· 24 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Factory Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1874 and is 152 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 24 ft (taller than 81.2% in CT)
Dam Length175 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage192 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge2,500 cfs
Year Completed1874 (152 years old)
Year Modified2007
NID IDCT00217

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 26, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Georgetown Land Development Co. LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Factory Pond Dam?

Factory Pond 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 Factory Pond Dam?

Factory Pond Dam is owned by Georgetown Land Development Co. LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Factory Pond Dam built?

Factory Pond Dam was completed in 1874, making it 152 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 Factory Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Factory Pond Dam?

Factory Pond Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Factory Pond Dam last inspected?

Factory Pond Dam was last inspected on June 26, 2015. 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.