Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike

FALL BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1896· Earth· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 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 37 ft (taller than 91.3% in MA)
Dam Length1,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.3K acre-ft
Surface Area85 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
NID IDMA00869

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: December 6, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF LEOMINSTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike 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 Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike is owned by CITY OF LEOMINSTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike built?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike 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 Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike has a dam height of 37 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 Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike last inspected?

Fall Brook Reservoir Dam and Dike was last inspected on December 6, 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.