Mackenzie Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Mackenzie Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 | 29 ft (taller than 86.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 425 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1992 |
| NID ID | CT00037 |
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
Town of Wallingford
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Mackenzie Reservoir Dam?
Mackenzie 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 Mackenzie Reservoir Dam?
Mackenzie Reservoir Dam is owned by Town of Wallingford (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mackenzie Reservoir Dam built?
Mackenzie Reservoir Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Mackenzie Reservoir Dam?
Mackenzie 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 Mackenzie Reservoir Dam?
Mackenzie Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Mackenzie Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Mackenzie Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.