Popps Mountain Dike, also known as Saugatuck Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Westport, Connecticut, with a primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1941, the dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a length of 670 feet, providing a storage capacity of 42,000 acre-feet. The reservoir has a surface area of 868 acres and drains an area of 34.6 square miles, making it a crucial water resource for the region.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Popps Mountain Dike is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in October 2019. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although the last revision was in April 2017. With its strategic location on the Saugatuck River and critical role in water supply, the dam remains a central feature in the region's water resource and climate management efforts.
Overall, Popps Mountain Dike serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply in Fairfield County, Connecticut, under the ownership of a public utility. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's reliability and resilience will be key factors in ensuring water security for the surrounding communities. With ongoing inspections and maintenance, along with emergency preparedness measures, Popps Mountain Dike remains a cornerstone in the region's water management infrastructure, safeguarding against potential risks and contributing to sustainable water resource practices.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
670 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
SAUGATUCK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
868 |
Drainage Area |
34.6 |
Nid Storage |
42000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
36 |
Saugatuck River Near Redding
|
22cfs |
Saugatuck R Nr Westport
|
32cfs |
Mill R Nr Fairfield
|
65cfs |
Sasco Brook Near Southport
|
4cfs |
Norwalk R At South Wilton
|
23cfs |
Rooster River At Fairfield
|
3cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Youth Camp II
|
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Youth Camp III
|
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Youth Camp I
|
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Mountain Lakes Park
|
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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
|