Lake Bethany Dam, located in Bethany, Connecticut, stands as a crucial infrastructure for water supply in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1892, this concrete gravity dam spans a length of 1050 feet and reaches a height of 61 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1994.9 acre-feet. Situated on the West River, the dam plays a pivotal role in regulating water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1645 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and classified as a high hazard potential structure, Lake Bethany Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and satisfactory condition. Equipped with a slide gate for water release, the dam boasts a spillway width of 80 feet to manage overflow during peak flow events. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
While Lake Bethany Dam presents a moderate risk level, proactive risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential threats. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management, this essential infrastructure underscores the importance of sustainable dam operation and maintenance practices in safeguarding communities and the environment against the impacts of climate variability and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
1892 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
WEST RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
105 |
Drainage Area |
3.9 |
Nid Storage |
1994.9 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
61 |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Southington
|
16cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |