The Upper Ansonia Reservoir Dam, also known as Upper Derby Hill Reservoir, serves as a crucial water supply source for the city of East Derby in Connecticut.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1887, this masonry dam stands at a height of 20.8 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 196 acre-feet and a surface area of 34 acres, the dam plays a vital role in regulating the flow of the Naugatuck River Tributary.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Upper Ansonia Reservoir Dam is inspected every two years to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last evaluation in August 2015. With a spillway width of 21 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 240 cubic feet per second, the dam is well-equipped to handle potential flooding events and emergencies.
Overall, the Upper Ansonia Reservoir Dam stands as a critical infrastructure piece in the region's water supply network. Its historical significance, combined with its functional importance in water regulation and storage, makes it a key asset for climate and water resource enthusiasts to monitor and appreciate in the context of sustainable water management practices and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1887 |
Dam Length |
345 |
Dam Height |
20.8 |
River Or Stream |
NAUGATUCK RIVER TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
310 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
21 |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Rooster River At Fairfield
|
3cfs |
Pootatuck R At Sandy Hook
|
24cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |