Hardwick Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Situated in Ware, Massachusetts, the Hardwick Pond Dam stands as a concrete structure along the Muddy Brook, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 7.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 6 feet, this dam boasts a capacity for storing up to 214 acre-feet of water in its serene 71.5-acre surface area. Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam is under the regulation and inspection of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the state.

Having a spillway of uncontrolled type, the Hardwick Pond Dam features an impressive length of 121 feet and a storage volume of 321 acre-feet. The dam's risk assessment deems it as moderate, with safety measures and emergency action plans yet to be fully detailed. Although last inspected in 2008, the dam is subject to regular assessments every 5 years, ensuring its continued functionality and security for the surrounding community and environment. With a designer unspecified, the dam's core is of buttress type, adding to its structural stability and reliability.

Dam Length

121

Dam Height

7.5

River Or Stream

MUDDY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

71.5

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

15.6

Nid Storage

321

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.