North Pond Reservoir Dam

HART BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1840· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

North Pond Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 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 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT)
Dam Length325 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.3K acre-ft
Surface Area232 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge2,100 cfs
Year Completed1840 (186 years old)
Year Modified2007
NID IDCT00450

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: June 19, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Torrington Water Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Pond Reservoir Dam?

North Pond 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 North Pond Reservoir Dam?

North Pond Reservoir Dam is owned by Torrington Water Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Pond Reservoir Dam built?

North Pond Reservoir Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 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 North Pond Reservoir Dam?

North Pond 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 North Pond Reservoir Dam?

North Pond Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 20 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 North Pond Reservoir Dam last inspected?

North Pond Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 19, 2019. 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.