City Mills Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
City Mills Pond Dam, located in Norfolk, Massachusetts, is a significant earth dam standing at a height of 30 feet and serving various purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1935, it boasts a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its historical significance, City Mills Pond Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in May 2017. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with identified risk management measures yet to be specified. With its uncontrolled spillway type and risk of inundation, efforts may need to be made to address the dam's condition and enhance its safety for the community and environment it serves.
As a vital structure in the area, City Mills Pond Dam presents both historical value and a potential risk that requires attention and management. Its role in fire protection and as a recreational pond underscores the importance of maintaining its integrity and safety. With the necessary regulatory oversight in place, continued monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts may be needed to ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and evolving safety standards.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
MILL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
10.7 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Charles River At Medway
|
44cfs |
Neponset River At Norwood
|
10cfs |
Blackstone River At Woonsocket
|
390cfs |
Charles River At Dover
|
131cfs |
East Branch Neponset River At Canton
|
14cfs |
West River Below West Hill Dam
|
1cfs |
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.
City Mills Pond Dam
Blue Trail Sherborn