Merimere Reservoir Dike (dam Is 705)
Merimere Reservoir Dike (dam Is 705) is an earth dam located in New Haven County, Connecticut, built in 1870. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Merimere Reservoir Dike (dam Is 705)
The primary purpose of Merimere Reservoir Dike (dam Is 705) 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 City Of Meriden (local government).
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 140 feet across, and creates a reservoir covering 58 acres. Completed in 1870, 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 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 01/11/2023.
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 Haven |
| Coordinates | 41.55453, -72.82779 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 140 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| Surface Area | 58 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Meriden |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/11/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00252 |
| Federal ID | CT00252S02 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |