Bunnells Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bunnells Pond Dam, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a state-owned structure on the Pequonnock River that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1906, this earth dam stands at a height of 32.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet. With a surface area of 36.8 acres and a drainage area of 23.9 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its age, the Bunnells Pond Dam is regularly inspected and deemed to be in fair condition, with a high hazard potential. The dam has a spillway width of 150 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 12,000 cubic feet per second. While there have been no major modifications to the structure in recent years, the state regulatory agency, DEEP, ensures that the dam meets safety standards and is inspected every two years to prevent any potential risks or emergencies.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although it was last revised in 2015. Overall, Bunnells Pond Dam remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management for the community.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

32.6

River Or Stream

PEQUONNOCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36.8

Drainage Area

23.9

Nid Storage

800

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.