West Parish Filter #3 Dam

SWSC INTAKE TUNNEL· Hampden, Massachusetts· Built 1910· Earth· 39 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

West Parish Filter #3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 39 ft (taller than 92.1% in MA)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage156 acre-ft
Normal Storage121 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDMA00610

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 7, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of West Parish Filter #3 Dam?

West Parish Filter #3 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 West Parish Filter #3 Dam?

West Parish Filter #3 Dam is owned by CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was West Parish Filter #3 Dam built?

West Parish Filter #3 Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 West Parish Filter #3 Dam?

West Parish Filter #3 Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is West Parish Filter #3 Dam?

West Parish Filter #3 Dam has a dam height of 39 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 West Parish Filter #3 Dam last inspected?

West Parish Filter #3 Dam was last inspected on November 7, 2017. 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.