Broad Brook Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cheshire Stp Ring Levee Hanover Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Broad Brook Reservoir Dam, located in Cheshire, Connecticut, is a concrete dam completed in 1913 for the primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
With a height of 40 feet and a length of 215 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 3850 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 3870 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 422 acres and drains a 55-square-mile watershed, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1450 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Broad Brook Reservoir Dam is considered to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed during the last inspection in October 2017. The dam features a spillway width of 70 feet and is situated on the Broad Brook stream. With emergency action plans in place and a history of regular inspections, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region, ensuring a reliable water supply for the community while mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.
Overall, Broad Brook Reservoir Dam stands as a vital component of the water supply infrastructure in New Haven County, Connecticut, providing essential services for residents in South Meriden and beyond. Its strategic location on the Broad Brook stream, coupled with its substantial storage capacity and efficient hydraulic design, underscores the significance of this concrete dam in the region's water management system. As climate change impacts water resources, the resilience and maintenance of structures like Broad Brook Reservoir Dam become increasingly important to ensure the sustainability and reliability of water supply systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
BROAD BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
422 |
Drainage Area |
55 |
Nid Storage |
3870 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Southington
|
16cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Naugatuck River At Thomaston
|
90cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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