Mattapoisett River Dam

MATTAPOISETT RIVER· Plymouth, Massachusetts· Built 1996· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mattapoisett River Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1996 and is 30 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage35 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area24 sq mi
Year Completed1996 (30 years old)
NID IDMA02447

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: October 14, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF MATTAPOISETT, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mattapoisett River Dam?

Mattapoisett River 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 Mattapoisett River Dam?

Mattapoisett River Dam is owned by TOWN OF MATTAPOISETT, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mattapoisett River Dam built?

Mattapoisett River Dam was completed in 1996, making it 30 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 Mattapoisett River Dam?

Mattapoisett River 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 Mattapoisett River Dam?

Mattapoisett River Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Mattapoisett River Dam last inspected?

Mattapoisett River Dam was last inspected on October 14, 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.