Worcester Diversion Levee System

KETTLE BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1960· Concrete· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Worcester Diversion Levee System is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage16 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area30 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDMA02732

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: No
Last Inspection: October 26, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Worcester Diversion Levee System?

Worcester Diversion Levee System 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 Worcester Diversion Levee System?

Worcester Diversion Levee System is owned by CITY OF WORCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Worcester Diversion Levee System built?

Worcester Diversion Levee System was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Worcester Diversion Levee System?

Worcester Diversion Levee System serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Worcester Diversion Levee System?

Worcester Diversion Levee System has a dam height of 20 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 Worcester Diversion Levee System last inspected?

Worcester Diversion Levee System was last inspected on October 26, 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.