Newton Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF MIDDLE RIVER, SEWELL POND· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 2013· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Newton Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2013 and is 13 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length140 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage406 acre-ft
Normal Storage260 acre-ft
Surface Area55 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed2013 (13 years old)
NID IDMA00682

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: April 24, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, OFFICE OF CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Newton Pond Dam?

Newton 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 Newton Pond Dam?

Newton Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, OFFICE OF CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Newton Pond Dam built?

Newton Pond Dam was completed in 2013, making it 13 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 Newton Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Newton Pond Dam?

Newton Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Newton Pond Dam last inspected?

Newton Pond Dam was last inspected on April 24, 2013. 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.