New Pond Dam

POQUANTICUT BROOK· Bristol, Massachusetts· Built 1810· Masonry· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

New Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1810 and is 216 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA)
Dam Length860 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage343 acre-ft
Normal Storage119 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Year Completed1810 (216 years old)
NID IDMA00779

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 30, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF EASTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of New Pond Dam?

New 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 New Pond Dam?

New Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF EASTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was New Pond Dam built?

New Pond Dam was completed in 1810, making it 216 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 Pond Dam?

New Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is New Pond Dam?

New Pond Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Pond Dam last inspected?

New Pond Dam was last inspected on May 30, 2017. 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.