Upper Naukeag Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO MILLERS RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1875· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage650 acre-ft
Surface Area300 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1875 (151 years old)
NID IDMA00003

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 27, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF ASHBURNHAM, WATER DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Naukeag Lake Dam?

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Naukeag Lake Dam?

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF ASHBURNHAM, WATER DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Naukeag Lake Dam built?

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Upper Naukeag Lake Dam?

Upper Naukeag Lake 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 Upper Naukeag Lake Dam?

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Upper Naukeag Lake Dam last inspected?

Upper Naukeag Lake Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2015. 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.