Williamstown Reservoir Dam
Williamstown Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1898. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Williamstown Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Williamstown 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 Town Of Williamstown (local government). It impounds the Sherman Springs near Williamstown.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1898, 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 04/26/2023.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% 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 Massachusetts 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 | Massachusetts |
| County | Berkshire |
| Nearest City | Williamstown |
| River/Stream | Sherman Springs |
| Coordinates | 42.68595, -73.17266 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 48 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 48 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 46 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 90 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Williamstown |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/26/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00844 |
| Federal ID | MA00844 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |