Simpson's Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Simpson's Pond Dam, located in Wallingford, Connecticut, was completed in 1880 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 18 feet with a length of 300 feet, holds a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and spans across the Wharton Brook. With a maximum discharge capacity of 985 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned privately, Simpson's Pond Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, and its hazard potential is listed as undetermined. Despite its age and lack of recent inspection data, the dam continues to provide important water management functions for the surrounding area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Simpson's Pond Dam represents a historic masonry structure that has stood the test of time. As efforts to assess and manage the risks associated with dams like Simpson's Pond increase, the importance of maintaining and ensuring the safety of these critical infrastructure pieces becomes ever more apparent. With its rich history and vital role in irrigation, Simpson's Pond Dam remains a focal point for those interested in water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

WHARTON BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

71

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

18
       
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.