Wards Mill Pond Dam

BRANFORD RIVER· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1900· Masonry· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wards Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 24.9% in CT)
Dam Length147 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage55 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area25 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDCT00117

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: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Ward

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wards Mill Pond Dam?

Wards Mill Pond 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 Wards Mill Pond Dam?

Wards Mill Pond Dam is owned by Ward (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wards Mill Pond Dam built?

Wards Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Wards Mill Pond Dam?

Wards Mill Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wards Mill Pond Dam?

Wards Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 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.

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.