Wachusett Reservoir South Dike
Key Takeaway
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 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 | 45 ft (taller than 94.4% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 250.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 187.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 121 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
| NID ID | MA03263 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Wachusett Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 114 ftLancaster Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 26 ftCoachlace Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftMossy Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftWachusett Reservoir North Dike
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 85 ftMossy Pond Dike
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftMt. Pleasant Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftLester G. Ross Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wachusett Reservoir South Dike?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike 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 Wachusett Reservoir South Dike?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wachusett Reservoir South Dike built?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Wachusett Reservoir South Dike?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike 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 Wachusett Reservoir South Dike?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike has a dam height of 45 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 Wachusett Reservoir South Dike last inspected?
Wachusett Reservoir South Dike was last inspected on July 27, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.