Washington Street Dam

ASSABET RIVER· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1956· Masonry· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Washington Street Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 56.3% in MA)
Dam Length68 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage400 acre-ft
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area64 sq mi
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDMA00447

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
Last Inspection: October 20, 2011
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF HUDSON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Washington Street Dam?

Washington Street 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 Washington Street Dam?

Washington Street Dam is owned by TOWN OF HUDSON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Washington Street Dam built?

Washington Street Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Washington Street Dam?

Washington Street Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Washington Street Dam?

Washington Street Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Washington Street Dam last inspected?

Washington Street Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2011. 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.