Cumberland Mills Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Cumberland Mills, located in Cumberland, Maine, is a concrete dam completed in 1896 primarily used for flood risk reduction along the Presumpscot River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 16 feet and a length of 380 feet, this dam has a normal storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 460 acre-feet, serving as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area. The dam also provides fire protection, stock pond, and small fish habitat while maintaining a low hazard potential.

Managed by a private owner, Cumberland Mills is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam is designed to withstand hydraulic pressures up to 11 feet and has a spillway width of 282 feet to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. Despite being not rated for its condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are currently undetermined, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality in mitigating flood risks and preserving the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Presumpscot

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

480

Nid Storage

460

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.