Watchung Square Dam

Green Brook· Somerset, New Jersey· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Watchung Square Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 17.8% in NJ)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage11 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge750 cfs
NID IDNJ00929

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: May 12, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Watchung Square Assoc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Seeley'S Pond Dam

Union, NJ

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Watchung Lake Dam

Somerset, NJ

High Hazard 19 ft

Surprise Lake Dam

Union, NJ

Low Hazard 20 ft

Shackamaxon Dam

Union, NJ

High Hazard 24 ft

Clearwater Detention Dam

Union, NJ

High Hazard 22 ft

New Market Pond Dam

Middlesex, NJ

Significant Hazard 7 ft

Echo Lake Upper Dam

Union, NJ

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Echo Lake Dam

Union, NJ

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Watchung Square Dam?

Watchung Square 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 Watchung Square Dam?

Watchung Square Dam is owned by Watchung Square Assoc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Watchung Square Dam?

Watchung Square Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Watchung Square Dam?

Watchung Square 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 Watchung Square Dam last inspected?

Watchung Square Dam was last inspected on May 12, 2021. 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.