Bethel Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bethel Pond, located in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, is a private water resource that serves various purposes, including recreational activities and wildlife habitat.


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Summary

The dam at Bethel Pond is primarily an earth structure, with a height of 11 feet and a hydraulic height of 6 feet. The pond has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and a drainage area of 29 square miles, making it an important water source for the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Bethel Pond's dam is rated as poor as of May 2018. The dam has a length of 240 feet and a surface area of 11 acres. The maximum discharge capacity is 1476 cubic feet per second, with a spillway width of 37 feet. The pond's maintenance and inspection frequency are currently unknown, raising concerns about its overall safety and sustainability in the face of climate change impacts.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Bethel Pond should be aware of its significance as a private water source in Rhode Island. With its poor condition assessment and limited information on maintenance and inspection schedules, there is a need for increased attention and monitoring to ensure the safety and resilience of this vital water resource. As climate change continues to impact water systems, it is crucial to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Bethel Pond to protect both the surrounding ecosystem and the community that relies on it.

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

ASHAWAY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

29

Nid Storage

66

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.