Trap Falls Reservoir Dam
Trap Falls Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1905. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Trap Falls Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Trap Falls 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 Pumpkin Ground Brook near Stratford.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 1,080 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 344 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1905, 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 05/15/2024.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 | Stratford |
| River/Stream | Pumpkin Ground Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.26441, -73.14115 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,080 ft |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 8,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 8,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 344 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,300 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/15/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00091 |
| Federal ID | CT00091 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |