Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam

About Canistear Reservoir #2 Dam

The primary purpose of Canistear Reservoir #2 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 Newark, Department Of Water And Sewer Utilities (local government). It impounds the Pacock Brook.

The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 330 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 302 acres, has a storage capacity of 7,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1896, 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 11/01/2024.

At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% 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 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.