Quinsigamond Pond Dam

BLACKSTONE RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1896· Masonry· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Quinsigamond Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area63 sq mi
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
NID IDMA00139

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: March 26, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Quinsigamond Pond Dam?

Quinsigamond 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 Quinsigamond Pond Dam?

Quinsigamond Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Quinsigamond Pond Dam built?

Quinsigamond Pond Dam was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Quinsigamond Pond Dam?

Quinsigamond Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Quinsigamond Pond Dam?

Quinsigamond Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Quinsigamond Pond Dam last inspected?

Quinsigamond Pond Dam was last inspected on March 26, 2019. 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.