Hart Brook Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hart Brook Pond Dam, located in Torrington, Connecticut, was completed in 1908 and serves as a crucial water supply source in the region.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.