Millham Reservoir Dam

MILHAM BROOK & NORTH BRANCH MILHAM BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1893· Concrete· 26 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Millham Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 81.7% in MA)
Dam Length1,160 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage960 acre-ft
Normal Storage560 acre-ft
Surface Area68 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDMA00450

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: May 19, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Millham Reservoir Dam?

Millham Reservoir 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 Millham Reservoir Dam?

Millham Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Millham Reservoir Dam built?

Millham Reservoir Dam was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Millham Reservoir Dam?

Millham 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 Millham Reservoir Dam?

Millham Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Millham Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Millham Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 19, 2014. 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.