Wrights Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Wrights Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 513 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 163 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00117 |
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 GARDNER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Wayside Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftMahoney Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftUpper Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftMinott Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 7 ftGreenwood Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftRamsdall Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 9 ftDunn Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftBents Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wrights Reservoir Dam?
Wrights 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 Wrights Reservoir Dam?
Wrights Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF GARDNER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wrights Reservoir Dam built?
Wrights Reservoir Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Wrights Reservoir Dam?
Wrights Reservoir Dam 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 Wrights Reservoir Dam?
Wrights Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Wrights Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Wrights Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 2, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.