Merton Rolling Mill, also known as Town Pond, is a gravity dam located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1840, this historic structure stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 700 feet in length, creating a surface area of 38 acres and holding a maximum storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Bark River and has a controlled spillway with a width of 23 feet.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Merton Rolling Mill has been designated as a high hazard potential structure due to its age and proximity to residential areas. The dam is inspected every two years, with the most recent assessment conducted in October 2019. The risk assessment for the site ranks as very high (1), prompting the need for stringent risk management measures to ensure public safety and protect the surrounding community from potential inundation events. Overall, Merton Rolling Mill serves as both a recreational asset and a critical water resource in the region, requiring ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with its aging infrastructure.