East Brass Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Brass Mill Dam, also known as Scovill Aka Century Brass Aka City Mills, is a privately owned structure located in Waterbury, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1916, this concrete dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 420 feet in length, with a primary purpose of water supply. Situated on the Mad River, it has a normal storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 4000 cubic feet per second.

Owned by a private entity, East Brass Mill Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). While its hazard potential is currently classified as undetermined and its condition not rated, the dam's safety and maintenance are regularly inspected and enforced by state authorities. Despite being non-federally owned, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region, serving as a key infrastructure for water supply in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, East Brass Mill Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic concrete structure that continues to provide essential water supply functions in the modern era. With its location in the New Haven County and proximity to the city of Waterbury, this dam serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring reliable water storage and distribution for the surrounding community. As efforts to monitor and assess the dam's condition and safety continue, it remains an integral part of the region's water management efforts and a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering in action.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

MAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

23.7

Nid Storage

180

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

25
       
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.