Somerset Reservoir Dam
Somerset Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Somerset Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Somerset 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 Town Of Somerset (local government). It impounds the Labor-in-vain Brook near Somerset.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 6,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 160 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,032 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/01/2020.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 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 | Bristol |
| Nearest City | Somerset |
| River/Stream | Labor-in-vain Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.77755, -71.13791 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,032 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,032 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,324 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Somerset |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/01/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00792 |
| Federal ID | MA00792 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |