Putnamville Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Putnamville Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 | 37 ft (taller than 91.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 290 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00745 |
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
SALEM-BEVERLY WATER SUPPLY BOARD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Putnamville Reservoir East Dike
Essex, MA
High Hazard 24 ftPutmanville Reservoir South Dike
Essex, MA
High Hazard 7 ftBethune Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftPutnamville Reservoir West Dike
Essex, MA
High Hazard 26 ftMile Brook Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftMeadow Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 7 ftMill Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 17 ftMill Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Putnamville Reservoir Dam?
Putnamville 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 Putnamville Reservoir Dam?
Putnamville Reservoir Dam is owned by SALEM-BEVERLY WATER SUPPLY BOARD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Putnamville Reservoir Dam built?
Putnamville Reservoir Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Putnamville Reservoir Dam?
Putnamville 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 Putnamville Reservoir Dam?
Putnamville Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Putnamville Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Putnamville Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 25, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.