Samuel Bargh Reservoir Dam
Samuel Bargh Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1955. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Samuel Bargh Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Samuel Bargh 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 Mianus River near Riverbank.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 230 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,515 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 18 square miles. Completed in 1955, 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 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 05/16/2024.
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 | Riverbank |
| River/Stream | Mianus River |
| Coordinates | 41.12965, -73.61212 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,515 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,515 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,515 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 230 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00050 |
| Federal ID | CT00050 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |