Perley Brook Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Perley Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 50 ft (taller than 95.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00119 |
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 GARDNER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Perley Brook Reservoir Dam?
Perley Brook 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 Perley Brook Reservoir Dam?
Perley Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF GARDNER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Perley Brook Reservoir Dam built?
Perley Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Perley Brook Reservoir Dam?
Perley Brook 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 Perley Brook Reservoir Dam?
Perley Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Perley Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Perley Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on December 15, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.