Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam

KETTLE BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1902· Earth· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 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 38 ft (taller than 91.8% in MA)
Dam Length370 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage680 acre-ft
Normal Storage467 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
NID IDMA00978

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 24, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 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 #3 Dam?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 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 #3 Dam built?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 #3 Dam?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 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 #3 Dam?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam has a dam height of 38 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 #3 Dam last inspected?

Kettle Brook Reservoir #3 Dam was last inspected on September 24, 2015. 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.