Kettletown Brook Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kettletown Brook Pond Dam, located in Southbury, Connecticut, is a privately owned dam on Kettletown Brook.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 14 feet and a length of 540 feet, creating a surface area of 4 acres. The dam is regulated by the state, with inspections and enforcement carried out by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Despite being designated as "Significant" in terms of hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place.

The primary purpose of Kettletown Brook Pond Dam is listed as "Other," with no specific details provided on its functions. The dam does not have associated structures and is not part of any federal agency ownership or funding. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks outlet gates, it has a spillway width of 11 feet. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in June 2004, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam's risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and inundation maps are not up to date, indicating potential gaps in management and response planning for potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kettletown Brook Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Connecticut with significant hazard potential. The dam's lack of a condition rating, outdated inspection dates, and absence of an Emergency Action Plan raise concerns about its resilience and preparedness for potential risks. As a focal point for the regulation and oversight of state agencies like DEEP, the dam's management and maintenance practices could offer valuable insights into the challenges of balancing water resource management with climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. Further research and monitoring of Kettletown Brook Pond Dam could provide valuable data for understanding the dynamics of dam safety and water resource management in the region.

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

KETTLETOWN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.65

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.