Siscowit Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1865. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 6 ft6 ft tall and 95 ft long. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Siscowit Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Siscowit 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 Rippowam River near New Canaan.
The dam stands 6 feet tall and stretches 95 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 270 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1865, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 05/16/2024.
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Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Fairfield |
| Nearest City | New Canaan |
| River/Stream | Rippowam River |
| Coordinates | 41.19302, -73.52409 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Length | 95 ft |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 270 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 270 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 270 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00056 |
| Federal ID | CT00056 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |