Colby Mills Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sheepscot Outlet Branch Pond
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Colby Mills, located in Lincoln County, Maine, is a private hydroelectric dam on Lovejoy Stream that has been serving its purpose since 1825.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, this concrete dam boasts a structural height of 16 feet and a length of 160 feet. Despite its age, Colby Mills has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of its last inspection in March 2019.
Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Colby Mills is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam provides flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and serves other purposes as well. With a storage capacity of 1,934 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1,158 acre-feet, Colby Mills covers a surface area of 193 acres. The dam's spillway width is 11 feet, further enhancing its ability to manage water flow effectively.
Despite its age and historical significance, Colby Mills continues to play a vital role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its low hazard potential and commitment to meeting regulatory standards, this hydroelectric dam remains a key asset in the sustainable development of the region.
Year Completed |
1825 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Lovejoy Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
193 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
1934 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Colby Mills