Goodwins Mills Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Goodwins Mills, located in York, Maine, is a privately owned dam on the Swan River that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1890, this stone dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, Goodwins Mills plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Maintained and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Goodwins Mills has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has a spillway width of 20 feet and is inspected every 12 years to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its age, Goodwins Mills continues to provide essential water storage and fire protection services to the community of Dayton, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

With its historical significance dating back over a century, Goodwins Mills represents a testament to the ingenuity of early water resource management practices in Maine. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Goodwins Mills are crucial for ensuring the resilience of local communities and ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Swan

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.