Farrington Dam
Key Takeaway
Farrington Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 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 | 34 ft (taller than 92.6% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 535 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 211 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 55 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00383 |
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
New Brunswick City
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Mill Pond Dam
Middlesex, NJ
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Significant Hazard 7 ftCranbury S. River Basin B1 Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftDevoe Lake Dam
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Farrington Dam?
Farrington 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 Farrington Dam?
Farrington Dam is owned by New Brunswick City (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Farrington Dam built?
Farrington Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Farrington Dam?
Farrington 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 Farrington Dam?
Farrington Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Farrington Dam last inspected?
Farrington Dam was last inspected on December 17, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.