Oldham Pond Dam
Oldham Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Passaic County, New Jersey, built in 1849. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Oldham Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Oldham Pond 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 William Paterson University (private). It impounds the Molly Ann Brook near Haledon.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 17 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 153 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1849, 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 10/02/2024.
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 | Passaic |
| Nearest City | Haledon |
| River/Stream | Molly Ann Brook |
| Coordinates | 40.94563, -74.18188 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1849 (177 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 153 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 153 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 77 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,200 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | William Paterson University |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/02/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NJ00238 |
| Federal ID | NJ00238 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |