Old Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Newton Pond Dam Stringer Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Old Mill Pond Dam, located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is a significant earth dam with a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a dam height of 15.1 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, the dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as "Other" with a normal storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
With a hazard potential rated as "Significant" and a condition assessment of "Satisfactory," Old Mill Pond Dam poses moderate risk according to the data. The last inspection date was in December 2016, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam has not had any emergency action plan (EAP) prepared, and there are no inundation maps or risk management measures in place. Despite these factors, the dam's risk assessment remains at a moderate level, indicating the need for continued monitoring and potential enhancement of safety measures for this important water resource structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Old Mill Pond Dam presents a valuable case study in dam management and safety. The dam's location on West Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts, highlights the intersection of environmental protection, water resource management, and infrastructure maintenance. As climate change impacts water resources globally, understanding and addressing the risks associated with dams like Old Mill Pond Dam are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water systems in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
15.1 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.02 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Old Mill Pond Dam
Tamarack Lane 37, Shrewsbury