Falulah Reservoir Dam

FALULAH BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1883· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Falulah Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24 acre-ft
Normal Storage22 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1883 (143 years old)
NID IDMA02312

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: November 30, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Falulah Reservoir Dam?

Falulah 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 Falulah Reservoir Dam?

Falulah Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Falulah Reservoir Dam built?

Falulah Reservoir Dam was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Falulah Reservoir Dam?

Falulah 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 Falulah Reservoir Dam?

Falulah Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Falulah Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Falulah Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 30, 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.