Sweetheart Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Tolland, Connecticut, the Sweetheart Lake Dam stands as a vital structure along the Bone Mill Brook, serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1927.


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Summary

This private dam, standing at a height of 16 feet and a length of 170 feet, boasts a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres. Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its satisfactory condition and significant hazard potential is mitigated.

With a spillway width of 42 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 173 cubic feet per second, the Sweetheart Lake Dam is designed to handle moderate risks associated with its operation. The dam's structure consists of concrete and earth materials, featuring a multi-arch core foundation that supports its hydraulic function effectively. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a key feature in the local water resource management, providing both recreational enjoyment and essential flood control measures for the surrounding area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sweetheart Lake Dam to be a fascinating example of resilient infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

BONE MILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

2.49

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.