Manchaug Pond Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF MUMFORD RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1836· Masonry· 28 ft tall
High Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Manchaug Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1836 and is 190 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 28 ft (taller than 84.2% in MA)
Dam Length330 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage6.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.6K acre-ft
Surface Area366 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed1836 (190 years old)
NID IDMA00955

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 4, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF SUTTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Manchaug Pond Dam?

Manchaug Pond 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 Manchaug Pond Dam?

Manchaug Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF SUTTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Manchaug Pond Dam built?

Manchaug Pond Dam was completed in 1836, making it 190 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 Manchaug Pond Dam?

Manchaug Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Manchaug Pond Dam?

Manchaug Pond Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Manchaug Pond Dam last inspected?

Manchaug Pond Dam was last inspected on November 4, 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.