Highland Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Highland Pond Dam, located in Middletown, Connecticut, stands as a testament to historic engineering with its masonry construction dating back to 1875.


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Summary

This private dam primarily serves for irrigation purposes, harnessing the waters of Sawmill Brook to provide essential water resources to the surrounding area. With a height of 18 feet and a length of 120 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet, making it a vital component of the local water infrastructure.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Highland Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated. The last inspection in 2014 revealed no immediate concerns, but the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2018, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks and emergencies.

With its picturesque location in Middlesex County, Highland Pond Dam not only serves a practical purpose but also adds to the natural beauty of the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam's historical significance and functional importance, they are reminded of the delicate balance between harnessing water for human needs and preserving the ecological health of the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1875

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SAWMILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

11.8

Drainage Area

1.82

Nid Storage

69

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.