Brunswick Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Located on the Androscoggin River in Brunswick, Maine, this hydroelectric dam has been providing renewable energy since its completion in 1982.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 42 feet and stretching 605 feet in length, this concrete gravity dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the power of the river to generate electricity. With a storage capacity of 251 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 20,000 cubic feet per second, this dam contributes to the region's energy needs while maintaining a low hazard potential.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dam has undergone regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a spillway width of 486 feet and two Tainter radial gates for water release, the dam follows safety protocols and guidelines to mitigate risks and potential hazards. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition assessment remains unavailable, suggesting a need for further evaluation and monitoring to ensure its long-term sustainability and performance.

As a key player in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts, the Brunswick hydroelectric dam stands as a testament to the importance of renewable energy generation and environmental stewardship. With its strategic location on the Androscoggin River and its contribution to the local energy grid, this dam serves as a valuable asset in the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

605

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

Androscoggin River

Surface Area

300

Drainage Area

3410

Nid Storage

251

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

42
       
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.