Bleachery Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moody Street Dam Watertown Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the Bleachery Dam is a gravity dam built in 1900 on the Charles River, serving as a vital flood risk reduction structure in the area.
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Summary
With a height of 7.5 feet and a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring its proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting to uphold safety standards.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the Bleachery Dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and potential vulnerabilities. With a drainage area of 262 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, the dam plays a key role in water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in the region. Regular inspections are conducted to monitor the dam's structural integrity and ensure its effectiveness in flood control, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like the Bleachery Dam become even more essential in safeguarding communities against the increasing risks of flooding. By leveraging modern technology and strategic planning, authorities can enhance the resilience of the dam and its surrounding areas to adapt to changing environmental conditions and protect the local ecosystem. The Bleachery Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community safety in the face of evolving challenges.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
7.5 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
2.5 |
Drainage Area |
262 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
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.
Bleachery Dam
Charles River Greenway Waltham