Wasel Reservoir Dike
Wasel Reservoir Dike is an earth dam located in Hartford County, Connecticut, built in 1966. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wasel Reservoir Dike
The primary purpose of Wasel Reservoir Dike 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 New Britain (local government). It impounds the Mattabassett River near Southington.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 1,375 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 101 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1966, 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 12/03/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Hartford |
| Nearest City | Southington |
| River/Stream | Mattabassett River |
| Coordinates | 41.62012, -72.82796 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,375 ft |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 101 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of New Britain |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/03/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00260 |
| Federal ID | CT00260S02 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |