Great Brook Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Great Brook Reservoir Dam, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, was completed in 1925 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This masonry dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 423 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 598 acre-feet. With a surface area of 63 acres and a drainage area of 1.34 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the Great Brook river/stream.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Great Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every 7 years to ensure its safety and integrity. Furthermore, the dam has not had any emergency action plans prepared or updated, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness in the face of potential risks associated with its operation.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Great Brook Reservoir Dam an intriguing structure, given its historical significance and role in supporting recreational activities in the region. With its unique design and significant hazard potential, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural forces, underscoring the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of the water resource system.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

423

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

GREAT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

63

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

598

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.