Chestnut Ridge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Bethel, Connecticut, Chestnut Ridge Dam, also known as Bethel Reservoir, serves as a crucial water supply source for the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 260 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

With a hazard potential classified as high, Chestnut Ridge Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in August 2020. The dam features a spillway width of 25 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 270 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Chestnut Ridge Dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources for the Fairfield County region, covering a surface area of 30.2 acres and draining a watershed area of 0.36 square miles.

As a key structure for water supply purposes, Chestnut Ridge Dam stands as a testament to the importance of efficient water management in the face of climate variability and increasing demands. Its presence underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the region, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30.2

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

290

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.