Bleachery Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bleachery Dam, located in New Milford, Connecticut, serves as a key recreational spot along the picturesque Housatonic River.


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Summary

Completed in 1920, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 300 feet, offering a serene surface area of 100 acres for visitors to enjoy. Its primary purpose is for recreation, providing a tranquil retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Despite its historical significance, Bleachery Dam currently faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, rated as poor during the last inspection in 2014. With a hazard potential categorized as low, efforts to improve and maintain this dam are crucial to ensuring the safety and longevity of this vital structure. The dam's capacity of 800 acre-feet of storage and maximum discharge of 21,000 cubic feet per second highlight its importance in managing water resources in the region.

As a regulated dam under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bleachery Dam plays a crucial role in water management and environmental protection efforts in Litchfield County. With a focus on recreation, conservation, and safety, stakeholders and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to support initiatives that aim to preserve and enhance the sustainability of this valuable water resource for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

HOUSATONIC RIVER

Surface Area

100

Drainage Area

1120

Nid Storage

800

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.