Sudbury Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Sudbury Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 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 | 77 ft (taller than 98.4% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 33.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1899 (127 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00741 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 28 ftFramingham Reservoir #3 Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 29 ftHager Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 13 ftSudbury River Dam
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 7 ftMill Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 14 ftHopkinton State Park Swimming Pool Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 17 ftGrist Mill Pond Dam
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 18 ftFramingham #1 Reservoir
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sudbury Reservoir Dam?
Sudbury 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 Sudbury Reservoir Dam?
Sudbury Reservoir Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sudbury Reservoir Dam built?
Sudbury Reservoir Dam was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Sudbury Reservoir Dam?
Sudbury 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 Sudbury Reservoir Dam?
Sudbury Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 77 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 Sudbury Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Sudbury Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 5, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.