Bull Pond Dam Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Pond Dam, located in Harwinton, Connecticut, is a privately-owned concrete dam completed in 1900 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 3.5 feet and has a length of 125 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Rock Brook Tributary and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Despite its age, Bull Pond Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last assessment in 2014. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 249 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, raising concerns about emergency preparedness in the event of a dam failure. With its picturesque location and recreational significance, Bull Pond Dam serves as both a valuable resource and a potential area of concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

3.5

River Or Stream

ROCK BROOK TRIBUTARY

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

21.1

Drainage Area

0.68

Nid Storage

95

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

4
       
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.