Ipswich Mills Dam
Key Takeaway
Ipswich Mills Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 150 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00231 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TOWN OF IPSWICH, UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Bull Brook Reservoir Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftDow Brook Reservoir Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 20 ftRantoul Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftMile Brook Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftLongham Reservoir Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftLower Millpond Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftParker River Dam #1
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftHaskell Pond Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 43 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ipswich Mills Dam?
Ipswich Mills Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Ipswich Mills Dam?
Ipswich Mills Dam is owned by TOWN OF IPSWICH, UTILITIES DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ipswich Mills Dam built?
Ipswich Mills 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 Ipswich Mills Dam?
Ipswich Mills Dam 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 Ipswich Mills Dam?
Ipswich Mills Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Ipswich Mills Dam last inspected?
Ipswich Mills Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2009. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.