Waterman Lake
Key Takeaway
Waterman Lake is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1837 and is 189 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 | 18 ft (taller than 76.1% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 4,630 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,422 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1837 (189 years old) |
| NID ID | RI03103 |
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
CITIZENS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF WATERMAN LAKE, INC.
Private
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Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waterman Lake?
Waterman Lake 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 Waterman Lake?
Waterman Lake is owned by CITIZENS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF WATERMAN LAKE, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waterman Lake built?
Waterman Lake was completed in 1837, making it 189 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 Waterman Lake?
Waterman Lake 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 Waterman Lake?
Waterman Lake has a dam height of 18 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 Waterman Lake last inspected?
Waterman Lake was last inspected on August 15, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.