Westminster Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Westminster Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 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 | 31 ft (taller than 88% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 116 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1909 (117 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00639 |
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
WHITMAN RIVER DAM, INC.
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Westminster Reservoir Dam?
Westminster Reservoir 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 Westminster Reservoir Dam?
Westminster Reservoir Dam is owned by WHITMAN RIVER DAM, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Westminster Reservoir Dam built?
Westminster Reservoir Dam was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Westminster Reservoir Dam?
Westminster Reservoir 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 Westminster Reservoir Dam?
Westminster Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Westminster Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Westminster Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.