Taftville Hydro Dam #4
Key Takeaway
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1867 and is 159 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 87.9% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 860 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 107 acres |
| Drainage Area | 511 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 26,075 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1867 (159 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00204 |
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
FirstLight Power Resources
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Taftville Reservoir #3 Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 15 ftTaftville Reservoir #2 Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 30 ftBlissville Pond Dam
New London, CT
Low Hazard 11 ftLower Blissville Pond Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 14 ftTunnel Dam Hydro Station
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 32 ftTaftville Reservoir #1 Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 30 ftOccum
New London, CT
Low Hazard 14 ftVersailles Pond Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Taftville Hydro Dam #4?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 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 Taftville Hydro Dam #4?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 is owned by FirstLight Power Resources (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Taftville Hydro Dam #4 built?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 was completed in 1867, making it 159 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 Taftville Hydro Dam #4?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Taftville Hydro Dam #4?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 has a dam height of 30 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 Taftville Hydro Dam #4 last inspected?
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 was last inspected on September 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.