Lovell Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Lovell Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 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 | 84 ft (taller than 98.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 890 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00872 |
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 FITCHBURG, DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lovell Reservoir Dike
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 27 ftFalulah Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 20 ftScott Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 40 ftOverlook Reservoir Dike
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High Hazard 22 ftGreenes Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftOverlook Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 41 ftFitchburg Reservoir S.E. Dam
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 20 ftFitchburg Reservoir South Dike
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lovell Reservoir Dam?
Lovell 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 Lovell Reservoir Dam?
Lovell Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF FITCHBURG, DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lovell Reservoir Dam built?
Lovell Reservoir Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Lovell Reservoir Dam?
Lovell Reservoir 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 Lovell Reservoir Dam?
Lovell Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 84 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 Lovell Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Lovell Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.