Lowell Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Lowell Reservoir Dam, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, was completed in 1872 and serves as a recreational water source with a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 1650 feet, offering a surface area of 5.1 acres for water activities. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition with a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure public safety.

Owned and regulated by the local government, the Lowell Reservoir Dam is designated as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type. It is situated off-stream and does not have a spillway, making its hazard potential higher in case of an emergency. The dam's purpose primarily revolves around recreational activities, with no significant modifications or enhancements reported in recent years. Despite its high risk assessment, the dam remains a popular destination for water enthusiasts in the Middlesex County area.

With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the Lowell Reservoir Dam stands as both a recreational asset and a potential risk in the water resource management landscape. As climate change continues to impact water infrastructure, the dam's fair condition and high hazard potential highlight the need for proactive risk management measures and continued maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and preserve the dam's recreational value for future generations.

Year Completed

1872

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

OFF STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

114

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.