Lake Wequapauset Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wequapauset Dam is a private dam located in Waterbury, Connecticut, along an unnamed tributary to Hancock Brook.


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Summary

This concrete dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 5 feet and a length of 84 feet. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 3 feet, and an uncontrolled outlet gate. The surface area of the lake created by the dam is 6 acres, with a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.

Despite being in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2015, Lake Wequapauset Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and has state permitting and enforcement in place. The dam is located in New Haven County, and its emergency action plan was last revised in 2017, though details on its compliance with guidelines and preparedness measures are not provided in the data.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Wequapauset Dam presents an interesting case study due to its recreational purpose, structural design, and location within an urban area. The dam's significance lies in its role in providing recreational opportunities while also posing potential risks to downstream communities in case of a failure. Monitoring and maintenance of this dam are crucial to ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and the sustainable use of water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

84

Dam Height

5

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO HANCOCK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

5
       
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.