Rugg Brook Reservoir Northeast Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Rugg Brook Reservoir Northeast Dike in Winchester, Connecticut, serves as a vital water resource management structure owned by the local government.


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Summary

This dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 300 feet, plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the area. Despite its significance, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued functionality and safety.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Rugg Brook Reservoir Northeast Dike is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement actions to ensure its compliance with safety standards. The dam is part of a larger system that includes associated structures, and its last inspection in April 2016 revealed the need for attention to address its deteriorating condition. With a risk assessment pending and no emergency action plan in place, stakeholders must prioritize proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term resilience of this essential water management infrastructure.

Located in Litchfield County, the Rugg Brook Reservoir Northeast Dike represents a critical piece of the water infrastructure in the region, with implications for water supply, flood control, and overall environmental management. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, the importance of maintaining and upgrading such structures becomes increasingly clear. With proper attention and investment, the Rugg Brook Reservoir Northeast Dike can continue to fulfill its role in safeguarding the community against water-related risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

26

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.