Scott Reservoir Dam
Scott Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1875. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Scott Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Scott 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 Fitchburg (local government). It impounds the Scott Brook near Fitchburg.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 647 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 33 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 603 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1875, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/06/2023.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% 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 | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Fitchburg |
| River/Stream | Scott Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.61207, -71.82752 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 647 ft |
| Year Completed | 1875 (151 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 603 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 603 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 445 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 811 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Fitchburg |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 09/06/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00871 |
| Federal ID | MA00871 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |