Spruce Run Reservoir Dam
Spruce Run Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Spruce Run Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Spruce Run 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 New Jersey Water Supply Authority (state). It impounds the Spruce Run near Clinton.
The dam stands 93 feet tall and stretches 5,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,290 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 46,770 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 41 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/25/2024.
At 93 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 New Jersey 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 | New Jersey |
| County | Hunterdon |
| Nearest City | Clinton |
| River/Stream | Spruce Run |
| Coordinates | 40.64593, -74.91447 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 93 ft |
| Dam Height | 93 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 46,770 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 46,770 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 33,670 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,290 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,675 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | New Jersey Water Supply Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 09/25/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NJ00132 |
| Federal ID | NJ00132 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |