Harris Pond
Harris Pond is an earth dam located in Providence County, Rhode Island, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Harris Pond
The primary purpose of Harris Pond 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 Woonsocket Water Division (local government). It impounds the Mill River near Woonsocket.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,018 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 109 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,850 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 32 square miles. Completed in 1969, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% 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 Rhode Island 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 | Rhode Island |
| County | Providence |
| Nearest City | Woonsocket |
| River/Stream | Mill River |
| Coordinates | 42.01641, -71.50681 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,018 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,850 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,850 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,050 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 109 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | WOONSOCKET WATER DIVISION |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | RI03901 |
| Federal ID | RI03901 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |