Straitsville Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Straitsville Reservoir Dam, located in Naugatuck, Connecticut, is a vital water supply structure that serves the surrounding area.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 360 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With Marks Brook as its primary water source, Straitsville Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in providing water for the region. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, requiring careful monitoring and risk management measures. The spillway, with a width of 25 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 528 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a public utility, the Straitsville Reservoir Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community in the event of a flood or other potential risks. Overall, Straitsville Reservoir Dam stands as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

MARKS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.