Quinapoxet Reservoir Dam
Quinapoxet Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1953. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Quinapoxet Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Quinapoxet 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 Worcester (local government). It impounds the Quinapoxet River near Holden.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,050 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 259 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,420 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 19 square miles. Completed in 1953, 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 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 09/06/2023.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% 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 | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Holden |
| River/Stream | Quinapoxet River |
| Coordinates | 42.38781, -71.88123 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,420 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,420 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,376 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 259 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Worcester |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/06/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00929 |
| Federal ID | MA00929 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |