Lake Saltonstall Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Saltonstall Dam, located in East Haven, Connecticut, was completed in 1882 and serves as a vital water supply source for the region.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This masonry dam, standing at a height of 30 feet and stretching 300 feet in length, has a storage capacity of 6,900 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 396 acres. The dam has a spillway width of 24 feet and is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment as of November 2019 was deemed satisfactory.

Managed by a public utility, Lake Saltonstall Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with regulations. With its primary purpose being water supply, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding communities and maintaining the ecological balance of the Farm River, which it impounds.

Despite its age, Lake Saltonstall Dam continues to be a key infrastructure asset, contributing to the resilience of the water resource system in New Haven County. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is closely monitored for any potential hazards and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. As a historic structure with a significant impact on the local ecosystem, Lake Saltonstall Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1882

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

FARM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

396

Drainage Area

3.92

Nid Storage

6900

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.