Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam
Key Takeaway
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 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 | 23 ft (taller than 76.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 96 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 68 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00989 |
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
Waite Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftBrick City Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 22 ftKettle Brook Reservoir #2 Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 28 ftLynde Brook Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 61 ftLynde Brook Reservoir Dike
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 17 ftSargent Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftKettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 38 ftParsons Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 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 Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam 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 Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam built?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 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 Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam last inspected?
Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam was last inspected on September 24, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.