Popes Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Popes Pond Dam, also known as Popes Pond Streets Pond, is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Wilton, Connecticut.


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Summary

Built in 1965 for water supply purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet with a length of 650 feet and a storage capacity of 1460 acre-feet. Situated on Barretts Brook, it serves as a key component in the management of Fairfield County's water resources, with a normal storage capacity of 980 acre-feet and a surface area of 87.5 acres.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Popes Pond Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2019, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the region. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, proper risk management measures are in place to address any potential issues that may arise.

In the event of an emergency, Popes Pond Dam is equipped with an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to guide response efforts. With a spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 7600 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to handle significant inflows during flood events. Overall, Popes Pond Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

BARRETTS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

87.5

Drainage Area

2.36

Nid Storage

1460

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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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.