Freshwater Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Freshwater Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 54 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00279 |
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
Town of Enfield
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Longmeadow Country Club Dam
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Significant Hazard 18 ftSchwartz Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 16 ftShaker Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftSilver Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftCrescent Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftPorter Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 24 ftBroad Brook Mill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 21 ftNine Lot Dam
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Low Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Freshwater Pond Dam?
Freshwater Pond 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 Freshwater Pond Dam?
Freshwater Pond Dam is owned by Town of Enfield (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Freshwater Pond Dam built?
Freshwater 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 Freshwater Pond Dam?
Freshwater Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Freshwater Pond Dam?
Freshwater Pond 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 Freshwater Pond Dam last inspected?
Freshwater Pond Dam was last inspected on April 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.