Rush Reservoir Dam

NONE· Monroe, New York· Built 1876· Earth· 23 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Rush Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1876 and is 150 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 23 ft (taller than 66% in NY)
Dam Length3,825 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage288 acre-ft
Normal Storage193 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge410 cfs
Year Completed1876 (150 years old)
NID IDNY01341

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: May 9, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF ROCHESTER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rush Reservoir Dam?

Rush 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 Rush Reservoir Dam?

Rush Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF ROCHESTER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rush Reservoir Dam built?

Rush Reservoir Dam was completed in 1876, making it 150 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 Rush Reservoir Dam?

Rush 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 Rush Reservoir Dam?

Rush Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Rush Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Rush Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 9, 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.