Padanaram Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Padanaram Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 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 | 29 ft (taller than 86.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 475 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 104 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 81 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 206 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1883 (143 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00067 |
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 Danbury
Local Government
Nearby Dams
East Lake Reservoir Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 47 ftUpper Kohanza Lake Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 30 ftMargerie Lake Reservoir South Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 29 ftLower Kohanza Lake Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 25 ftRogers Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftMercers Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 20 ftWest Lake Reservoir Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 42 ftLake Wackawana Dam and Dike
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Padanaram Reservoir Dam?
Padanaram 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 Padanaram Reservoir Dam?
Padanaram Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Danbury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Padanaram Reservoir Dam built?
Padanaram Reservoir Dam was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Padanaram Reservoir Dam?
Padanaram 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 Padanaram Reservoir Dam?
Padanaram Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Padanaram Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Padanaram Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.