Lower Murray Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Murray Pond Dam, also known as Saw Mill Hollow Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Killingworth, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1924, this masonry dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation along the Heft Brook. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 60 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a significant hazard potential.

Managed and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Lower Murray Pond Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential risk management measures. Its location within Middlesex County and close proximity to the New England District underscores its importance in water resource management in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Lower Murray Pond Dam to be a fascinating structure with historical significance and a critical role in supporting irrigation activities along the Heft Brook. Its design and purpose showcase the ingenuity of early dam engineering, while its current status raises questions about its long-term sustainability and the need for proactive risk assessment and management. As a privately owned and state-regulated dam, its condition and maintenance are essential for ensuring water security and minimizing potential hazards in the area.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

HEFT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.