Kenmere Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kenmere Reservoir Dam, located in Kensington, Connecticut, serves as a vital water supply source for the local community.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The earth dam, standing at a height of 38 feet and spanning 600 feet in length, was completed in 1898 and has a storage capacity of 594 acre-feet. With a surface area of 17.3 acres and a drainage area of 3.25 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its age, Kenmere Reservoir Dam has been well-maintained, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2017. The dam has a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. The state-regulated dam is under the oversight of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations to protect the surrounding community from potential risks associated with dam failure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kenmere Reservoir Dam stands as a historic and essential infrastructure for water management in Hartford County. As a key component of the local water supply system, the dam's strategic location and design play a critical role in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its storage capacity, surface area, and drainage capabilities, the dam continues to serve as a valuable asset in sustaining the region's water resources for generations to come.

Year Completed

1898

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.3

Drainage Area

3.25

Nid Storage

594

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.