Easton Reservoir Dam

Easton Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Easton Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Easton Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Aquarion Water Company Of Connecticut (public utility). It impounds the Mill River near Plattsville.

The dam stands 123 feet tall and stretches 1,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 488 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 36,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/16/2024.

At 123 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.

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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateConnecticut
CountyFairfield
Nearest CityPlattsville
River/StreamMill River
Coordinates41.24898, -73.25593

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height123 ft
Dam Height123 ft
Dam Length1,040 ft
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage36,000 acre-ft
Max Storage36,000 acre-ft
Normal Storage36,000 acre-ft
Surface Area488 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge4,400 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerAquarion Water Company of Connecticut
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection05/16/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCT00020
Federal IDCT00020
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams