Popps Mountain Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Popps Mountain Dike, also known as Saugatuck Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Westport, Connecticut, with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

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
       
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.