Chalkers Millpond Dam
Chalkers Millpond Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, built in 1845. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Chalkers Millpond Dam
The primary purpose of Chalkers Millpond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Town Of Old Saybrook (local government). It impounds the Oyster River near Old Saybrook.
The dam stands 5 feet tall and stretches 325 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1845, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/29/2024.
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Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Old Saybrook |
| River/Stream | Oyster River |
| Coordinates | 41.30159, -72.39603 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 5 ft |
| Dam Height | 5 ft |
| Dam Length | 325 ft |
| Year Completed | 1845 (181 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 46 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Town of Old Saybrook |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/29/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00415 |
| Federal ID | CT00415 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |