Collins Mills Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Collins Mills, located in Kennebec, Maine, is a concrete dam completed in 1830 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This structure on Cobbosseecontee Stream has a height of 15 feet and a length of 200 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 756 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes and supports fish and wildlife in the area.

Managed by the local government, Collins Mills is regulated and inspected by the Maine Emergency Management Agency to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. The last inspection in October 2019 revealed no immediate concerns, indicating a well-maintained structure that continues to support its intended functions.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Collins Mills represents a historic piece of infrastructure that plays a vital role in local fire protection, wildlife support, and recreational activities. As part of the New England District, this dam stands as a testament to early engineering achievements and ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively and sustainably. The collaborative management between local and state agencies ensures the continued safety and functionality of Collins Mills for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1830

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Cobbosseecontee Stream

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

71

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

756

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.