Mount Zircon Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Mount Zircon, located in Rumford, Maine, is a vital water supply dam built in 1914 with a height of 70 feet and a storage capacity of 440 acre-feet.
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Summary
Operating under the ownership of a Public Utility, this dam on Zircon Brook serves the primary purpose of providing water to the region. With a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential, Mount Zircon plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Oxford County.
Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and regulated by the state, Mount Zircon undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a spillway width of 40 feet and a drainage area of 2.6 square miles, this earth dam with concrete and stone core types is designed to handle maximum storage of 440 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam's location in New England District adds to its significance in the water resource infrastructure of the region, making it a key asset for water supply and climate adaptation initiatives in Maine.
Despite its age, Mount Zircon continues to provide essential water supply services to the community while maintaining a high hazard potential due to its condition and hydraulic height of 65 feet. With a history dating back over a century, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and infrastructure safety. As climate change impacts water resources, Mount Zircon stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure in ensuring reliable water supply and emergency preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
70 |
River Or Stream |
Zircon Brook |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
65 |
Drainage Area |
2.6 |
Nid Storage |
440 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
70 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mount Zircon