Pitch Reservoir Dam

PITCH BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1944· Earth· 85 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pitch Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 85 ft (taller than 98.5% in CT)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.1K acre-ft
Surface Area110 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge15,795 cfs
Year Completed1944 (82 years old)
NID IDCT00474

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: October 23, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

City of Waterbury

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pitch Reservoir Dam?

Pitch 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 Pitch Reservoir Dam?

Pitch Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Waterbury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pitch Reservoir Dam built?

Pitch Reservoir Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Pitch Reservoir Dam?

Pitch 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 Pitch Reservoir Dam?

Pitch Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 85 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 Pitch Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Pitch Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 23, 2020. 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.