Derby Housatonic Levee Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Derby Housatonic Levee, located in Derby, Connecticut, is a vital infrastructure designed to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding from the Housatonic River.
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Summary
This earth dam is state-regulated and maintained by local government authorities, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting. Despite not having a specific primary purpose listed, the levee serves as a crucial line of defense against high hazard potential and is considered to have a high-risk potential.
Although the Derby Housatonic Levee's exact specifications regarding height, length, and volume are not provided, its location and importance in protecting the New Haven County area are clear. With its proximity to the Housatonic River and its critical role in managing potential flood risks, the levee plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As an essential piece of infrastructure, it underscores the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness measures to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like the Derby Housatonic Levee is crucial in promoting sustainable development and resilient infrastructure in the face of a changing climate. By recognizing the challenges posed by high-risk potential and the need for regular inspections and maintenance, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the levee's effectiveness and ensuring its continued protection of the surrounding area. Through ongoing monitoring, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness, the Derby Housatonic Levee stands as a testament to the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.
River Or Stream |
HOUSATONIC RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Pootatuck R At Sandy Hook
|
24cfs |
Rooster River At Fairfield
|
3cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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