Highland Pond Dam

SAWMILL BROOK· Middlesex, Connecticut· Built 1875· Masonry· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Highland Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 67.8% in CT)
Dam Length120 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage69 acre-ft
Normal Storage47 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge170 cfs
Year Completed1875 (151 years old)
NID IDCT00147

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: December 8, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Middlesex Land Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Highland Pond Dam?

Highland Pond 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 Highland Pond Dam?

Highland Pond Dam is owned by Middlesex Land Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Highland Pond Dam built?

Highland Pond Dam was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Highland Pond Dam?

Highland Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Highland Pond Dam?

Highland Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Highland Pond Dam last inspected?

Highland Pond Dam was last inspected on December 8, 2014. 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.