Watertown Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bleachery Dam Bulloughs Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Watertown Dam, located in WATERTOWN, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam on the CHARLES RIVER serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with secondary purposes including recreation. With a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 6 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 30 acre-feet.
The dam, completed in an unlisted year, spans 410 feet in length and covers a surface area of 11 acres. Although its condition assessment is listed as fair, Watertown Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last assessment taking place in March 2017. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in June 2018, and the risk assessment for the structure is classified as moderate.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Watertown Dam presents an intriguing case study of a vital infrastructure designed to manage flood risks along the Charles River in Massachusetts. With its significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam serves as a crucial piece of the state's flood risk reduction strategy. As a state-regulated structure, the Department of Conservation and Recreation plays a key role in overseeing the dam's operation, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, its secondary function as a recreational area adds to its importance within the local community.
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
273 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Watertown Dam
Charles River Greenway Waltham