Lower Blissville Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Blissville Pond Dam, located in Lisbon, Connecticut, along Blissville Brook, was completed in 1860 and stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 150 feet.


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Summary

This masonry dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene surface area of 6 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.09 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 495 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Lower Blissville Pond Dam has a significant hazard potential but was deemed to be in satisfactory condition during its last assessment in November 2019. The dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities while also contributing to the local ecosystem and water resources in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Blissville Pond Dam offers a glimpse into the historical engineering practices of the 19th century and the importance of maintaining and monitoring these structures for both safety and environmental impact. With its picturesque location and critical role in water management, this dam serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human infrastructure and natural resources, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices to ensure the continued well-being of both the community and the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1860

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

BLISSVILLE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

4.09

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.