Shepaug Reservoir Dam
Shepaug Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, built in 1933. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Shepaug Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Shepaug 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 Waterbury (local government). It impounds the Shepaug River near Woodville.
The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 112 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,937 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 38 square miles. Completed in 1933, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 06/11/2024.
At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Litchfield |
| Nearest City | Woodville |
| River/Stream | Shepaug River |
| Coordinates | 41.72339, -73.29412 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1933 (93 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,937 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,937 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,937 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 112 acres |
| Drainage Area | 38 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,725 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Waterbury |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00665 |
| Federal ID | CT00665 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |