Swansea Print Works Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swansea Dam Montaup #3 Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Swansea Print Works Dam, located in Swansea, Massachusetts, stands as a historic gravity dam built in 1900 on the Lee River.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 275 feet, serves multiple purposes including water supply and others. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its structural integrity.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Swansea Print Works Dam is regulated and inspected by the state of Massachusetts. With a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Although the risk assessment is high, with a rating of 2, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not specified, suggesting a need for further preparedness and mitigation strategies to address potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swansea Print Works Dam's historical significance, combined with its functional role in water supply and regulation, makes it a compelling site to study and monitor. With its unique design, critical condition assessment, and high risk rating, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources and ensuring public safety in the face of potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
LEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
505 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Swansea Print Works Dam
Brownell Street 2, Fall River