Lynde Brook Reservoir Dike
Lynde Brook Reservoir Dike is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1876. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lynde Brook Reservoir Dike
The primary purpose of Lynde Brook Reservoir Dike 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 Worcester (local government). It impounds the Lynde Brook near Leicester.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 1,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 130 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1876, 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 11/21/2023.
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 | Leicester |
| River/Stream | Lynde Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.25250, -71.87290 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1876 (150 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Worcester |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/21/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA01290 |
| Federal ID | MA00990S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |