Waterhouse Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waterhouse Pond Dam in Chester, Connecticut, built in 1902, serves as a vital water supply source with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, primarily constructed with stone core and resting on rock and soil foundations, spans 335 feet in length and stands at a height of 4 feet. Managed by the state agency DEEP, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.

The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, features a width of 14 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 105 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory as of the last assessment in October 2019. With a moderate risk level, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the critical role Waterhouse Pond Dam plays in providing a reliable water source while adhering to regulatory guidelines and implementing risk management measures.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

335

Dam Height

4

River Or Stream

WATERHOUSE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46.7

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

140

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

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.
View more

Area Campgrounds