Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, built in 1870. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Chestnut Hill 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 Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Offstream near Boston.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 84 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,270 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 11/04/2022.
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 | Suffolk |
| Nearest City | Boston |
| River/Stream | Offstream |
| Coordinates | 42.33544, -71.15398 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,270 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,270 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 970 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/04/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA01113 |
| Federal ID | MA01113 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |