Wigwam Reservoir Dam

BRANCH BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1893· Concrete· 75 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wigwam Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 75 ft (taller than 97.8% in CT)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage2.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.9K acre-ft
Surface Area114 acres
Drainage Area17 sq mi
Max Discharge13,132 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDCT00615

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 5, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

City of Waterbury

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wigwam Reservoir Dam?

Wigwam Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wigwam Reservoir Dam?

Wigwam Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Waterbury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wigwam Reservoir Dam built?

Wigwam Reservoir Dam was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Wigwam Reservoir Dam?

Wigwam 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 Wigwam Reservoir Dam?

Wigwam Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 75 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 Wigwam Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Wigwam Reservoir Dam was last inspected on December 5, 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.