Mill Pond South Dike

PUMPED STORAGE RESERVOIR FROM SHAWSHEEN RIVER· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1973· Concrete· 50 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond South Dike is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 50 ft (taller than 95.5% in MA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.5K acre-ft
Surface Area53 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDMA01123

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: July 21, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF BURLINGTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond South Dike?

Mill Pond South Dike 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 Mill Pond South Dike?

Mill Pond South Dike is owned by TOWN OF BURLINGTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Pond South Dike built?

Mill Pond South Dike was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Mill Pond South Dike?

Mill Pond South Dike 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 Mill Pond South Dike?

Mill Pond South Dike has a dam height of 50 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 Mill Pond South Dike last inspected?

Mill Pond South Dike was last inspected on July 21, 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.