New Britain Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
New Britain Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 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 | 42 ft (taller than 94.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 710 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 650 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 54 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1984 |
| NID ID | CT00661 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
City of New Britain
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of New Britain Reservoir Dam?
New Britain Reservoir 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 New Britain Reservoir Dam?
New Britain Reservoir Dam is owned by City of New Britain (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was New Britain Reservoir Dam built?
New Britain Reservoir Dam was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 New Britain Reservoir Dam?
New Britain 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 New Britain Reservoir Dam?
New Britain Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 42 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 New Britain Reservoir Dam last inspected?
New Britain Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.