Paper Mill Pond Dam

LITTLE RIVER· New London, Connecticut· Built 1870· Earth· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Paper Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 85.5% in CT)
Dam Length573 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage766 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area37 sq mi
Max Discharge7,750 cfs
Year Completed1870 (156 years old)
NID IDCT00471

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: Yes
Last Inspection: December 3, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Sprague

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paper Mill Pond Dam?

Paper Mill 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 Paper Mill Pond Dam?

Paper Mill Pond Dam is owned by Town of Sprague (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Paper Mill Pond Dam built?

Paper Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Paper Mill Pond Dam?

Paper Mill 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 Paper Mill Pond Dam?

Paper Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Paper Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Paper Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on December 3, 2014. 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.