Scovill Reservoir Dam
Scovill Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, built in 1860. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Scovill Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Scovill Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Town Of Haddam (private). It impounds the Unnamed near Higganum.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 245 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 27 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1860, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/11/2023.
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 | Higganum |
| River/Stream | Unnamed |
| Coordinates | 41.47670, -72.57693 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 245 ft |
| Year Completed | 1860 (166 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 350 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 350 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 325 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 75 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Town of Haddam |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00431 |
| Federal ID | CT00431 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |