Holden Reservoir Dam #1
Key Takeaway
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 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 | 46 ft (taller than 94.8% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 840 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 122 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1883 (143 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00960 |
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
CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Holden Reservoir Dam #2
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 66 ftKendall Reservoir Lower Basin Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftCook's Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 15 ftSmith Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftDawson Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftAsnebumskit Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftKettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 38 ftPatch Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Holden Reservoir Dam #1?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 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 Holden Reservoir Dam #1?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 is owned by CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Holden Reservoir Dam #1 built?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Holden Reservoir Dam #1?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 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 Holden Reservoir Dam #1?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 has a dam height of 46 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 Holden Reservoir Dam #1 last inspected?
Holden Reservoir Dam #1 was last inspected on December 7, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.