Talbot Mills Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Talbot Mills Dam, located in Billerica, Massachusetts, is a historic masonry dam constructed in 1828 on the Concord River.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet, this dam serves a primary purpose of "Other," with features such as an uncontrolled spillway and a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam has a fair condition assessment as of November 2015, with a moderate risk level assigned. Despite its age, Talbot Mills Dam continues to provide important water resource management functions for the surrounding area, including a normal storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a drainage area of 370 square miles. While it may not have associated locks or outlet gates, the dam remains a significant structure on the Concord River, contributing to the local ecosystem and water supply.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Talbot Mills Dam to be a fascinating example of historic dam engineering in Massachusetts. Its location on the Concord River, its design as a masonry structure with a buttress core, and its storage capacity and surface area all contribute to its importance in managing water flow and storage in the region. With ongoing inspections and a regulated status, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management in Middlesex County.
Year Completed |
1828 |
Dam Length |
316 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
CONCORD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
8.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.2 |
Drainage Area |
370 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Talbot Mills Dam
Billerica Street 5-65, Lowell