Swansea Print Works Dam

LEE RIVER· Bristol, Massachusetts· Built 1900· Gravity· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Swansea Print Works Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA)
Dam Length275 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage57 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area505 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMA00768

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 20, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

NRG ENERGY, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Swansea Print Works Dam?

Swansea Print Works Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Swansea Print Works Dam?

Swansea Print Works Dam is owned by NRG ENERGY, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Swansea Print Works Dam built?

Swansea Print Works Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Swansea Print Works Dam?

Swansea Print Works Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Swansea Print Works Dam?

Swansea Print Works Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Swansea Print Works Dam last inspected?

Swansea Print Works Dam was last inspected on April 20, 2017. 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.