Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam, located in Scituate, Massachusetts, is a historic earth dam completed in 1640 for water supply purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 6 feet and stretches 370 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet with a surface area of 0.01 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its age, the Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with a significant hazard potential due to its moderate risk rating. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 0 feet, and it sits on the First Herring Brook. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the New England District and is owned by the local government, highlighting the importance of this structure in providing water supply for the surrounding area. With its rich history and vital role in water resource management, Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam remains a significant feature in Plymouth County's landscape.
Year Completed |
1640 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
6 |
River Or Stream |
FIRST HERRING BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.01 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
5.4 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
6 |
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.
Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam
Bridge Street Norwell