Lake Bethany Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Bethany Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 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 | 61 ft (taller than 97% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 105 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,645 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1892 (134 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2004 |
| NID ID | CT00308 |
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
South Central CT RWA
Public Utility
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Significant Hazard 5 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Bethany Dam?
Lake Bethany 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 Lake Bethany Dam?
Lake Bethany Dam is owned by South Central CT RWA (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Bethany Dam built?
Lake Bethany Dam was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Lake Bethany Dam?
Lake Bethany 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 Lake Bethany Dam?
Lake Bethany Dam has a dam height of 61 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 Lake Bethany Dam last inspected?
Lake Bethany Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.