The Meetinghouse Pond Reservoir Dam, located in Westminster, Massachusetts, was completed in 1898 and serves as a crucial water supply structure for the area.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Damon Pond Campground
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Pearl Hill Campground
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Otter River State Forest
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Beaman Pond Campground
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East Dennison Camping Area
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Lake Dennison State Park
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