Acme Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Acme Pond Dam, located in Windham, Connecticut, has been a primary source of recreation since its completion in 1846.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 16 feet and a length of 600 feet, holds a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. The dam is situated on the Whetstone Brook and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.

Despite being marked as having a high hazard potential, Acme Pond Dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 17 feet and outlet gates controlled by valves. In case of emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, last revised in July 2018. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps prepared signify a proactive approach to mitigating potential hazards and ensuring public safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Acme Pond Dam serves as a historical and recreational landmark in Killingly, Connecticut. Its role in providing water storage, flood control, and recreational opportunities underscores the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulatory oversight in safeguarding both the environment and the community. With a rich history dating back over a century, Acme Pond Dam stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1846

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

WHETSTONE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

5.25

Nid Storage

29

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.