Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam, located in Hartford, Connecticut, was completed in 1885 and serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 250 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 348 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the Pequabuck River, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources and ensuring a stable water supply for the surrounding area.

With a surface area of 33 acres and a drainage area of 0.43 square miles, Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment occurring in October 2019. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and is equipped with spillway width of 12 feet to manage maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan ensures preparedness for any potential risks or incidents.

As a critical infrastructure for water resource management, Bristol Reservoir #1 Dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating dams to ensure the safety and sustainability of water supplies in the region. With its historical significance and vital role in water supply, the dam stands as a key component in safeguarding water resources and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and growing water demands.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO PEQUABUCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Drainage Area

0.43

Nid Storage

348

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.