Browns Reservoir Dam
Browns Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in Westchester County, New York, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Browns Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Browns 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 Norwalk First Taxing District (local government). It impounds the W Branch Silver Mine River near Norwalk Ct.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 1,375 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 44 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,067 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 square miles. Completed in 1924, 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 02/05/2025.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 York 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 York |
| County | Westchester |
| Nearest City | Norwalk Ct |
| River/Stream | W Branch Silver Mine River |
| Coordinates | 41.21583, -73.49472 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,375 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,067 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,067 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 891 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,931 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | NORWALK FIRST TAXING DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00763 |
| Federal ID | NY00763 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |