Hopkinton Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 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 | 58 ft (taller than 96.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,616 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 6.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 213 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1891 (135 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00437 |
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
Hopkinton State Park Swimming Pool Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 17 ftSudbury River Dam
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 7 ftMill Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 14 ftGrist Mill Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftBloods Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftSudbury Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 77 ftAshland Reservoir Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 59 ftWhitehall Upper Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hopkinton Reservoir Dam?
Hopkinton Reservoir 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 Hopkinton Reservoir Dam?
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam 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 Hopkinton Reservoir Dam built?
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Hopkinton Reservoir Dam?
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam 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 Hopkinton Reservoir Dam?
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 58 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 Hopkinton Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Hopkinton Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 9, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.