Old Marsh Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Old Marsh Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 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 | 30 ft (taller than 87.9% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 183 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1952 |
| NID ID | CT00285 |
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 Bristol
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Bristol Reservoir #3 Dam
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Significant Hazard 14 ftBristol Reservoir #1 Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftEugene Park Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 2 ftUpper Pond Dam (Also See 11112)
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Significant Hazard 20 ftPequabuck River Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftMiddle Pond Dam and Dike
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Significant Hazard 10 ftOrchard Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 4 ftBristol Reservoir #5 Dam
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High Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Old Marsh Pond Dam?
Old Marsh Pond 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 Old Marsh Pond Dam?
Old Marsh Pond Dam is owned by City of Bristol (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Old Marsh Pond Dam built?
Old Marsh Pond Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Old Marsh Pond Dam?
Old Marsh Pond 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 Old Marsh Pond Dam?
Old Marsh Pond Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Old Marsh Pond Dam last inspected?
Old Marsh Pond Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.