Hamilton Waste Gates Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
The Hamilton Waste Gates, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience as a federal hydroelectric structure.
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Summary
Built in 1848, these masonry dams stand at 12 feet high and serve multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, recreation, and fire protection. With a storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 720 acres, these gates help regulate water flow in the Upper Pawtucket Canal, providing essential support to the surrounding ecosystem.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Hamilton Waste Gates have a low hazard potential and undergo inspections every three years to ensure their structural integrity. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the risk assessment indicates a high risk level of 2. Despite this, the emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation maps are not up to date, raising concerns about the readiness for potential emergencies. However, with the support of federal agencies and ongoing management measures, the Hamilton Waste Gates continue to play a vital role in water management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.
Overall, the Hamilton Waste Gates stand as a historic and functional piece of infrastructure in Lowell, Massachusetts, supporting various water resource management objectives. As a federal hydroelectric structure, these gates exemplify the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and recreational opportunities. With ongoing monitoring and management efforts by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Hamilton Waste Gates remain a critical component in the region's water infrastructure, contributing to flood protection, ecosystem support, and hydroelectric power generation.
Year Completed |
1848 |
Dam Length |
20 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Upper Pawtucket Canal |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
720 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
4500 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Hamilton Waste Gates
Billerica Street 5-65, Lowell