Broad Brook Reservoir Dam
Broad Brook Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in New Haven County, Connecticut, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Broad Brook Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Broad Brook 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 City Of Meriden (local government). It impounds the Broad Brook near South Meriden.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 215 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 422 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,850 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 55 square miles. Completed in 1913, 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 01/11/2023.
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 | New Haven |
| Nearest City | South Meriden |
| River/Stream | Broad Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.52247, -72.85923 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,870 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,850 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 422 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,450 cfs |
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 | CT00301 |
| Federal ID | CT00301 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |