Hart Brook Pond Dam, located in Torrington, Connecticut, was completed in 1908 and serves as a crucial water supply source in the region.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, primarily constructed of masonry with a height of 23 feet and a length of 160 feet, holds back the waters of Hart Brook to create a surface area of 1.1 acres and a drainage area of 5.2 square miles. Despite its age, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, and it is equipped with a valve outlet gate. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, but its condition is assessed as fair as of the last inspection in June 2016. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in February 2017, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level (3) associated with the dam. Overall, Hart Brook Pond Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area and is subject to regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hart Brook Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic masonry dam that continues to fulfill its primary purpose of water supply. The dam's location in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and its association with the New England District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlight its regional significance. With ongoing state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, as well as a comprehensive emergency action plan in place, the dam exemplifies responsible management of water resources and infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. Its fair condition assessment and moderate risk level underscore the importance of continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the dam for the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
HART BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
1.1 |
Drainage Area |
5.2 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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