Carpenter Reservoir Dam

Carpenter Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1888. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Carpenter Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Carpenter 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 Whitinsville Water Company (private). It impounds the Casey Brook near Northbridge.

The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 82 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,640 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1888, the structure is over a century old.

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 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 06/29/2021.

At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMassachusetts
CountyWorcester
Nearest CityNorthbridge
River/StreamCasey Brook
Coordinates42.12495, -71.69030

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height32 ft
Dam Length260 ft
Year Completed1888 (138 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,640 acre-ft
Max Storage2,640 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,421 acre-ft
Surface Area82 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge1,677 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerWhitinsville Water Company
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection06/29/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMA00893
Federal IDMA00893
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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