Putnamville Reservoir West Dike
Key Takeaway
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike 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 | 26 ft (taller than 81.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 290 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00744 |
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
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Putnamville Reservoir West Dike?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike 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 West Dike?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike 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 West Dike built?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike 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 West Dike?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike 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 West Dike?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike has a dam height of 26 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 West Dike last inspected?
Putnamville Reservoir West Dike was last inspected on August 25, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.