Lower Hart Ponds Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower Hart Ponds Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 18 ft (taller than 67.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 1,850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 825 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 585 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2006 |
| NID ID | CT00247 |
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 New Britain
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Upper Hart Pond Dam
Hartford, CT
High Hazard 13 ftWasel Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 80 ftKenmere Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 38 ftStanley Hart Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 4 ftPaper Goods Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 30 ftMason Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftShuttle Meadow Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 35 ftSchultz Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Hart Ponds Dam?
Lower Hart Ponds 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 Lower Hart Ponds Dam?
Lower Hart Ponds Dam is owned by City of New Britain (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Hart Ponds Dam built?
Lower Hart Ponds Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Lower Hart Ponds Dam?
Lower Hart Ponds 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 Lower Hart Ponds Dam?
Lower Hart Ponds Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Lower Hart Ponds Dam last inspected?
Lower Hart Ponds Dam was last inspected on November 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.