Parizek Pond Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Parizek Pond Dam #1, located in Willington, Connecticut, is a private dam constructed in 1870 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 400 feet, creating a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. It is situated on the Conat Brook and has a drainage area of 1.61 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 30 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Parizek Pond Dam #1 is in fair condition and is classified as having significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which conducts regular inspections to ensure its safety. The dam lacks an emergency action plan (EAP) and updated inundation maps, raising concerns about its risk management procedures in the event of a failure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be interested in the historical significance and potential risks associated with Parizek Pond Dam #1. The dam's presence on the Conat Brook provides recreational opportunities for the local community while also serving as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness for aging infrastructure. As a privately owned structure, the responsibility for the dam's upkeep lies with its owners, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and investment in dam safety measures to prevent potential disasters in the future.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

CONAT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1.61

Nid Storage

61

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.