Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam
Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1901. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Lake Hills Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Mill River near Fairfield.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 320 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 40 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 588 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24 square miles. Completed in 1901, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/06/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Fairfield |
| Nearest City | Fairfield |
| River/Stream | Mill River |
| Coordinates | 41.18260, -73.26050 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 588 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 588 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 333 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,270 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Lake Hills Association, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/06/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00017 |
| Federal ID | CT00017 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |