Putnamville Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Putnamville Reservoir Dam, located in Danvers, Massachusetts, serves as an essential water supply structure managed by the local government.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at 37 feet high and spans 1400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 8300 acre-feet and a surface area of 290 acres. Situated along a tributary of the Ipswich River, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for mitigating potential threats. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the last inspection in 2016. The proximity to residential areas underscores the importance of the dam's role in water resource management and the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Putnamville Reservoir Dam a significant infrastructure contributing to the sustainable water supply in Essex County, Massachusetts.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF IPSWICH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
290 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.81 |
Nid Storage |
8300 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Putnamville Reservoir Dam
Ipswich Road Topsfield