Perley Brook Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Perley Brook Reservoir Dam, located in Gardner, Massachusetts, serves as a crucial water supply source in Worcester County.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet, with a hydraulic height of 47 feet, and a length of 1000 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 730 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 56 acres and draining an area of 2.73 square miles.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has been deemed satisfactory during the last inspection in December 2017. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with appropriate risk management measures in place to mitigate potential hazards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the vital role that Perley Brook Reservoir Dam plays in providing a reliable water supply for the region, while also recognizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to safeguard against any potential risks. The dam's location, design, and operational parameters make it a key infrastructure component in the local water management system, contributing to the overall resilience of the community in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

PERLEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

56

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

2.73

Nid Storage

1100

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
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.