New Canaan Reservoir Dam
New Canaan Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1898. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About New Canaan Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of New Canaan 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 South Norwalk Electric And Water (public utility). It impounds the Fivemile River near New Canaan.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 470 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 26 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 535 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1898, 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 07/11/2023.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% 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 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 | New Canaan |
| River/Stream | Fivemile River |
| Coordinates | 41.17728, -73.51407 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 535 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 535 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 240 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | South Norwalk Electric and Water |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/11/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00055 |
| Federal ID | CT00055 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |