Meetinghouse Pond Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

The Meetinghouse Pond Reservoir Dam, located in Westminster, Massachusetts, was completed in 1898 and serves as a crucial water supply structure for the area.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 9 feet and a hydraulic height of 5.9 feet, has a storage capacity of 758 acre-feet and a normal storage of 570 acre-feet. The reservoir has a surface area of 149 acres and drains an area of 1.69 square miles, with Smith Brook being the associated river or stream.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection, enforcement, and permitting. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The Emergency Action Plan is in place, although it was last revised in 2007. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has no associated locks or gates.

As a key component of the local water supply infrastructure, the Meetinghouse Pond Reservoir Dam plays a vital role in ensuring water security for the residents of Worcester County. Climate and water resource enthusiasts are intrigued by the historical significance of the dam, its structural specifications, and its regulatory oversight by state agencies. The dam's risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures highlight the importance of proactive management to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply system.

Year Completed

1898

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

SMITH BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

149

Hydraulic Height

5.9

Drainage Area

1.69

Nid Storage

758

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.