Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Leicester, Massachusetts.


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Summary

Built in 1895, this Earth dam stands at 22.5 feet high and serves primarily for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Kettle Brook, with a drainage area of 4.1 square miles and a surface area of 0.02 square miles.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state of Massachusetts. Its hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2015 was deemed satisfactory. Despite its age, the structural integrity of Kettle Brook Reservoir #1 Dam remains intact, ensuring the safety and reliability of its water supply function for the community. With a moderate risk rating and regular inspection schedule, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

22.5

River Or Stream

KETTLE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.02

Hydraulic Height

18.1

Drainage Area

4.1

Nid Storage

96

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.