Wangum Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Wangum Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 29.6% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 714 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 543 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 178 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 14 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00516 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Tobey Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftIndustrial Monument Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 14 ftBear Swamp Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 7 ftBigelow Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 15 ftWampee Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftWest Side Flood Control Dam #5
Litchfield, CT
High Hazard 20 ftWhiting River Flood Control Dam
Litchfield, CT
High Hazard 80 ftBrewster Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wangum Lake Dam?
Wangum 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 Wangum Lake Dam?
Wangum Lake Dam is owned by Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wangum Lake Dam built?
Wangum Lake Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Wangum Lake Dam?
Wangum 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 Wangum Lake Dam?
Wangum Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Wangum Lake Dam last inspected?
Wangum Lake Dam was last inspected on June 30, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.