Hemlock Reservoir Dam
Hemlock Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1914. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Hemlock Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Hemlock 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 Aquarion Water Company Of Connecticut (public utility). It impounds the Cricker Brook near Fairfield.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 1,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 437 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 13,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1914, 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 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. The most recent inspection on record was 05/14/2024.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 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.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Fairfield |
| Nearest City | Fairfield |
| River/Stream | Cricker Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.20779, -73.28145 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 13,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 13,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,015 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 437 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,670 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/14/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00018 |
| Federal ID | CT00018 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |