Taftville Hydro Dam #4
Taftville Hydro Dam #4 is an earth dam located in New London County, Connecticut, built in 1867. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Taftville Hydro Dam #4
The primary purpose of Taftville Hydro Dam #4 is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Firstlight Power Resources (public utility). It impounds the Shetucket River near Norwich.
The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 860 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 107 acres, has a storage capacity of 1,712 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 511 square miles. Completed in 1867, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 08/18/2022.
At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% 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 | New London |
| Nearest City | Norwich |
| River/Stream | Shetucket River |
| Coordinates | 41.57254, -72.04566 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 860 ft |
| Year Completed | 1867 (159 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,712 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,712 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 107 acres |
| Drainage Area | 511 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 26,075 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | FirstLight Power Resources |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/18/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00204 |
| Federal ID | CT00204 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |