Fairview Reservoir Dam And Dikes Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fairview Reservoir Dam and Dikes, located in Norwichtown, Connecticut, is a vital water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, completed in 1868, stands at 30 feet high and stretches 520 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1176 acre-feet. Situated on the Bobbin Mill Brook, this masonry dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for the area.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2017, Fairview Reservoir Dam and Dikes are regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Connecticut. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 27 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 648 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unlisted, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of this critical water resource infrastructure.

As a historic structure with a significant role in water supply management, Fairview Reservoir Dam and Dikes provide a link to the past while facing the challenges of modern climate and regulatory standards. Continued monitoring, inspection, and potential updates to the emergency action plan will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and functionality of this essential water resource facility in New London County, Connecticut.

Year Completed

1868

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BOBBIN MILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

102

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

1176

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.