Mad River Dam Homestead Avenue Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Mad River Dam Homestead Avenue Dam, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a concrete structure completed in 1900 primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 31 feet and stretching 492 feet in length, this dam serves to store a maximum of 110 acre-feet of water with a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. With a hazard potential classified as high and a condition assessment marked as poor, this dam is in need of attention to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

Situated on the Mad River, this dam is under state regulation and jurisdiction, with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) responsible for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age and structural issues, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local water supply infrastructure, serving the community of Waterbury. With a spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 4860 cubic feet per second, the Mad River Dam Homestead Avenue Dam remains a key feature in managing the flow of water in the area.

As efforts are made to address the dam's deteriorating condition and mitigate potential risks associated with its high hazard potential, stakeholders, including private owners and state agencies, must work together to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this vital water resource infrastructure. With its historical significance and critical role in water supply management, the Mad River Dam Homestead Avenue Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our aging dam infrastructure to safeguard both public safety and the environment.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

492

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

MAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

17.4

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.