Forge Pond Dam

DRINKWATER RIVER· Plymouth, Massachusetts· Built 1900· Other· 9 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Forge Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage190 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area20 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMA00429

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 31, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF HANOVER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF HANOVER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Forge Pond Dam built?

Forge Pond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond 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 Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Forge Pond Dam last inspected?

Forge Pond Dam was last inspected on August 31, 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.