North Stamford Reservoir Dam
North Stamford Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1908. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About North Stamford Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of North Stamford 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 Rippowam River near Ridgeway.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,065 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 132 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,060 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 23 square miles. Completed in 1908, 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 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 05/03/2023.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
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 | Ridgeway |
| River/Stream | Rippowam River |
| Coordinates | 41.12494, -73.54015 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,065 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,060 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,060 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,571 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 132 acres |
| Drainage Area | 23 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,350 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/03/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00048 |
| Federal ID | CT00048 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |