Ludlow Reservoir Dam
Ludlow Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, built in 1877. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ludlow Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Ludlow 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 Springfield Water And Sewer Commission (local government). It impounds the Broad Brook near Ludlow.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 496 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 403 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 9,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 21 square miles. Completed in 1877, 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 11/07/2023.
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 | Hampden |
| Nearest City | Ludlow |
| River/Stream | Broad Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.20144, -72.43336 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 496 ft |
| Year Completed | 1877 (149 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 9,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 9,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 403 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Springfield Water and Sewer Commission |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/07/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00547 |
| Federal ID | MA00547 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |