Trenton Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Trenton Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. 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 | 52 ft (taller than 96.6% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 2,264 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 278 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1899 (127 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00560 |
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
Trenton Water Works
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sylva Lake Dam
Mercer, NJ
Significant Hazard 10 ftCeva Lake Dam
Mercer, NJ
Significant Hazard 14 ftColonial Lake Dam
Mercer, NJ
Low Hazard 12 ftUpper Silver Lake
Bucks, PA
Low Hazard 15 ftScotch Road Detention Dam 1.2
Mercer, NJ
Significant Hazard 12 ftStony Brook #4 (Curlis Lake) Dam
Mercer, NJ
Low Hazard 24 ftVan Sciver Lake
Bucks, PA
Low Hazard 18 ftStony Brook #3 (Rosedale Lake) Dam
Mercer, NJ
Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Trenton Reservoir Dam?
Trenton 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 Trenton Reservoir Dam?
Trenton Reservoir Dam is owned by Trenton Water Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Trenton Reservoir Dam built?
Trenton 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 Trenton Reservoir Dam?
Trenton 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 Trenton Reservoir Dam?
Trenton Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 52 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 Trenton Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Trenton Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.