Mount Higby Reservoir Dam
Mount Higby Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, built in 1897. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mount Higby Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Mount Higby 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 City Of Middletown (local government). It impounds the Fall Brook near Middletown.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 865 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 134 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,734 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1897, 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 04/18/2024.
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 | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Middletown |
| River/Stream | Fall Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.54953, -72.72225 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 865 ft |
| Year Completed | 1897 (129 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,734 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,734 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,177 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 134 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,400 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Middletown |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00140 |
| Federal ID | CT00140 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |