Billings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Located in Oxford, Maine, the Billings Dam is a concrete structure that serves primarily for hydropower generation on the Little Androscoggin River.


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Summary

Completed in 1800, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. With a surface area of 22 acres and a drainage area of 76 square miles, the Billings Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Billings Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment level of 3. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is subject to regular inspections every 12 months to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 135 feet, allowing for the controlled release of water during high flow events.

With its historical significance and vital role in hydropower generation, the Billings Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and energy production. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure like the Billings Dam becomes increasingly apparent in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1800

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Little Androscoggin

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

76

Nid Storage

138

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.
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