Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam
Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Union County, New Jersey, built in 1907. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Robinson's Branch 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 County Of Union (local government). It impounds the Robinsons Branch near Rahway.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 425 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 87 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,269 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 19 square miles. Completed in 1907, 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 02/23/2024.
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 New Jersey 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 | New Jersey |
| County | Union |
| Nearest City | Rahway |
| River/Stream | Robinsons Branch |
| Coordinates | 40.61303, -74.30217 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 425 ft |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,269 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,269 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 608 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,160 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | County of Union |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/23/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NJ00377 |
| Federal ID | NJ00377 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |