Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam, also known as Lake Hills Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Fairfield, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1901, this concrete dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 320 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 588 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is to provide recreational opportunities for the local community, with a surface area of 40 acres that offers a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a spillway width of 185 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5270 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as satisfactory, with a moderate risk level based on a risk assessment score of 3.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an outlet gate system consisting of a slide (sluice gate) for water release. With the surrounding landscape of Fairfield County and the Mill River, the Samp Mortar Reservoir Dam serves as an important water resource and recreational attraction, embodying the intersection of infrastructure, safety, and environmental stewardship in the context of water management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

MILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

24.2

Nid Storage

588

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.