Middle Reservoir Dam, located in Ansonia, Connecticut, is a historic masonry structure completed in 1890 for the primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by a public utility, this dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 290 feet, with a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. Situated on Beaver Brook in New Haven County, it is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2019, Middle Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Its maximum discharge capacity reaches 132 cubic feet per second, and it covers a surface area of 3 acres with a drainage area of 0.68 square miles. The dam is equipped with a spillway width of 29 feet, although no outlet gates are reported. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water storage and distribution in the area.
As a key component of the local water supply system, Middle Reservoir Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional role in managing water flow and storage, underscores the need for continued vigilance and investment in the upkeep of critical dams to mitigate risks and adapt to evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1890 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.68 |
Nid Storage |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
35 |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |
Pootatuck R At Sandy Hook
|
24cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |