Framingham #1 Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Framingham #1 Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1878 and is 148 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 22 ft (taller than 73.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 785 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1878 (148 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00337 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 28 ftMill Pond Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftCedar Street Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftSudbury River Dam
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Low Hazard 7 ftAshland Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 59 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Framingham #1 Reservoir?
Framingham #1 Reservoir 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 Framingham #1 Reservoir?
Framingham #1 Reservoir is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Framingham #1 Reservoir built?
Framingham #1 Reservoir was completed in 1878, making it 148 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 Framingham #1 Reservoir?
Framingham #1 Reservoir serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Framingham #1 Reservoir?
Framingham #1 Reservoir has a dam height of 22 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 Framingham #1 Reservoir last inspected?
Framingham #1 Reservoir was last inspected on May 9, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.