Deep River Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deep River Reservoir Dam, located in Fitchville, Connecticut, is a concrete structure completed in 1926 primarily used for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 62 feet and a length of 900 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 8,500 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 4,520 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 320 acres and has a drainage area of 7.74 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 18,860 cubic feet per second.

This dam on the Deep River is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 90 feet, and it is equipped with slide gates for water release. Despite being categorized as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment conducted in July 2017 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, reflecting ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.

The Deep River Reservoir Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region, playing a crucial role in providing a reliable water supply to the surrounding communities. While facing moderate risk factors, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are essential components in safeguarding the public and the environment in the event of any unforeseen emergencies. With its rich history and significant impact on water supply management, the Deep River Reservoir Dam stands as a symbol of the intersection between water resource management and climate resilience in Connecticut.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

62

River Or Stream

DEEP RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

320

Drainage Area

7.74

Nid Storage

8500

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

62
       
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.