Maple Spring Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF QUINAPOXET RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1885· Rockfill· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Maple Spring Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage162 acre-ft
Normal Storage126 acre-ft
Surface Area41 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDMA01247

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 6, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Maple Spring Pond Dam?

Maple Spring Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Maple Spring Pond Dam?

Maple Spring Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Maple Spring Pond Dam built?

Maple Spring Pond Dam was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Maple Spring Pond Dam?

Maple Spring Pond 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 Maple Spring Pond Dam?

Maple Spring Pond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Maple Spring Pond Dam last inspected?

Maple Spring Pond Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2016. 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.