Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam
Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, built in 1880. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam
The primary purpose of Framingham Reservoir No. 3 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 Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Stony Brook near Framingham.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 1,950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 232 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,650 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 28 square miles. Completed in 1880, 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 11/01/2022.
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 Massachusetts 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 | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Framingham |
| River/Stream | Stony Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.29440, -71.45960 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,650 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,650 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 232 acres |
| Drainage Area | 28 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,470 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/01/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00339 |
| Federal ID | MA00339 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |