Swansea Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Swansea Reservoir Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1883 and is 143 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 460 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 280 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1883 (143 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00796 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Milford Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 13 ftMontaup #3 Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftWarren Reservoir Upper
Bristol, RI
Significant Hazard 14 ftSwansea Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftSwansea Print Works Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftWarren Reservoir Lower
Bristol, RI
Low Hazard 8 ftShad Factory Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftWarren Upper Reservoir Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Swansea Reservoir Dam?
Swansea Reservoir 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 Reservoir Dam?
Swansea Reservoir Dam is owned by BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Swansea Reservoir Dam built?
Swansea Reservoir Dam was completed in 1883, making it 143 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 Reservoir Dam?
Swansea Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Swansea Reservoir Dam?
Swansea Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Swansea Reservoir Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.