Lynn Waterways Dam

SAUGUS RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1915· Gravity· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lynn Waterways Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage398 acre-ft
Normal Storage270 acre-ft
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDMA01135

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 17, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lynn Waterways Dam?

Lynn Waterways Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lynn Waterways Dam?

Lynn Waterways Dam is owned by CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lynn Waterways Dam built?

Lynn Waterways Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Lynn Waterways Dam?

Lynn Waterways 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 Lynn Waterways Dam?

Lynn Waterways Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Lynn Waterways Dam last inspected?

Lynn Waterways Dam was last inspected on November 17, 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.