Reuben Hart Reservoir Dam
Reuben Hart Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, built in 1933. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Reuben Hart Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Reuben Hart 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 (public utility). It impounds the Hart Brook near Drakeville.
The dam stands 80 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 141 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1933, 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 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 06/16/2023.
At 80 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Litchfield |
| Nearest City | Drakeville |
| River/Stream | Hart Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.87000, -73.17172 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 80 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1933 (93 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 141 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/16/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00096 |
| Federal ID | CT00096 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |