Taftville Hydro Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Taftville Hydro Dam, also known as Shetucket River Dam #4, is a concrete structure located in Norwich, Connecticut.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1867, it serves as a hydroelectric facility along the Shetucket River, with a primary purpose of generating renewable energy. The dam stands at 30 feet in height and stretches 1120 feet in length, with a maximum discharge capacity of 26,075 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a public utility, the Taftville Hydro Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in September 2020 deemed it to be satisfactory. With a drainage area of 511 square miles and a storage capacity of 1,712 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

This historic dam, overseen by local congressman Joe Courtney, underscores the intersection of water resource management and renewable energy production. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing inspections, and emergency preparedness measures in place, the Taftville Hydro Dam stands as a testament to sustainable infrastructure development and the importance of climate-conscious practices in the management of water resources.

Year Completed

1867

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

SHETUCKET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

107

Drainage Area

511

Nid Storage

1712

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.