George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam
George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam
The primary purpose of George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Assabet River near Westborough.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 380 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1969, 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 04/04/2023.
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 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 | Westborough |
| River/Stream | Assabet River |
| Coordinates | 42.26687, -71.63561 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,770 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 380 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 285 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/04/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA01000 |
| Federal ID | MA01000 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |