Killingworth Reservoir Dam

Killingworth Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, built in 1895. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Killingworth Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Killingworth 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 Connecticut Water Company (public utility). It impounds the Blueberry Brook near Kelseytown.

The dam stands 46 feet tall and stretches 750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 109 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1895, 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 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 10/20/2022.

At 46 feet, this dam is taller than 91% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateConnecticut
CountyMiddlesex
Nearest CityKelseytown
River/StreamBlueberry Brook
Coordinates41.35869, -72.53601

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height46 ft
Dam Height41 ft
Dam Length750 ft
Year Completed1895 (131 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,200 acre-ft
Max Storage1,200 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,084 acre-ft
Surface Area109 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerConnecticut Water Company
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/20/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCT00401
Federal IDCT00401
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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