Compensating Reservoir Dam
Compensating Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, built in 1920. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Compensating Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Compensating 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 Metropolitan District Commission (public utility). It impounds the E Br Farmington R near New Hartford.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 392 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 13,470 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 61 square miles. Completed in 1920, 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 05/20/2022.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Litchfield |
| Nearest City | New Hartford |
| River/Stream | E Br Farmington R |
| Coordinates | 41.88054, -72.95808 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 13,470 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 13,470 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,510 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 392 acres |
| Drainage Area | 61 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Metropolitan District Commission |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00371 |
| Federal ID | CT00371 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |