Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam

Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam is an earth dam located in Hartford County, Connecticut, built in 1885. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam

The primary purpose of Bristol Reservoir #1 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 Bristol (local government). It impounds the Tributary To Pequabuck River.

The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 33 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 348 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1885, the structure is over a century 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 11/24/2021.

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 Connecticut 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateConnecticut
CountyHartford
River/StreamTributary To Pequabuck River
Coordinates41.67681, -72.98958

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height25 ft
Dam Height25 ft
Dam Length250 ft
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage348 acre-ft
Max Storage348 acre-ft
Normal Storage348 acre-ft
Surface Area33 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge200 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Bristol
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection11/24/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCT00008
Federal IDCT00008
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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