Mill Pond South Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Mill Pond South Dike in Burlington, Massachusetts, serves as a vital water supply structure, completed in 1973 with a primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
The concrete dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,746 acre-feet, providing essential resources for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state jurisdiction and enforcement ensuring its safety and functionality.
The dam, part of the Pumped Storage Reservoir from Shawsheen River, covers a surface area of 53 acres and has a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2016 deemed it to be in fair condition. The dam is inspected every two years to maintain its integrity, with emergency action plans in place to address any potential risks. The risk assessment categorizes it as high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect the surrounding community and water resources.
Mill Pond South Dike stands as a crucial component of the local water supply infrastructure, ensuring a reliable source of water for Burlington and the surrounding area. With a focus on water supply as its primary purpose, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources and supporting the needs of the community. While it faces challenges in terms of hazard potential and risk, ongoing inspections and maintenance efforts aim to mitigate any potential issues and safeguard the dam's functionality for years to come.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
PUMPED STORAGE RESERVOIR FROM SHAWSHEEN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
53 |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
1746 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Mill Pond South Dike
Farm Road, Billerica