Carpenter Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carpenter Reservoir Dam, located in Northbridge, Massachusetts, is a concrete dam constructed in 1888 primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 32 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 2640 acre-feet, serving as a crucial resource for water management in the region. The dam spans 260 feet in length and covers a surface area of 82 acres, with a drainage area of 5.44 square miles.

Managed by a private entity, Carpenter Reservoir Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2016, revealing a satisfactory condition. Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate with appropriate risk management measures in place. As a key infrastructure for water supply in the area, the Carpenter Reservoir Dam plays a vital role in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience for the community.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

CASEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

82

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

5.44

Nid Storage

2640

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.