Peat Swamp Reservoir Dam, also known as Beaver Brook Reservoir Dam, is a crucial water supply infrastructure located in Ansonia, Connecticut.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1925, this concrete dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 530 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1990 acre-feet. The reservoir covers 60 acres and serves as a primary source of water for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 1660 acre-feet. However, recent assessments have indicated a poor condition of the dam, highlighting a high hazard potential.
Managed by the state regulatory agency and subject to regular inspections, Peat Swamp Reservoir Dam is designated as a state-regulated structure with necessary permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type with a width of 20 feet, has a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second. Despite the moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's high hazard potential and poor condition underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and potential risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and water resources.
With its location in New Haven County and the Beaver Brook river/stream, the Peat Swamp Reservoir Dam represents a critical piece of infrastructure that requires attention and investment to address its current condition and potential risks. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, ensuring the resilience and safety of such structures becomes paramount for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
60 |
Drainage Area |
1.76 |
Nid Storage |
1990 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
41 |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |
Pootatuck R At Sandy Hook
|
24cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |