Whigville Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Whigville Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. 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 | 58 ft (taller than 96.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 615 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,565 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1909 (117 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2010 |
| NID ID | CT00379 |
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 New Britain
Local Government
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High Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whigville Reservoir Dam?
Whigville 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 Whigville Reservoir Dam?
Whigville Reservoir Dam is owned by City of New Britain (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whigville Reservoir Dam built?
Whigville 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 Whigville Reservoir Dam?
Whigville 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 Whigville Reservoir Dam?
Whigville Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 58 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 Whigville Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Whigville Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.