Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam
Key Takeaway
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 22 ft (taller than 78.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 321 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 206 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 410 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | CT00304 |
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
City of Waterbury Water Bureau
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 3 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam 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 Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam is owned by City of Waterbury Water Bureau (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam built?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 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 Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam last inspected?
Waterbury Reservoir No. 2 Dam was last inspected on November 5, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.