Putnamville Reservoir East Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Putnamville Reservoir East Dike, located in Danvers, Massachusetts, is a crucial water supply structure owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 23.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 7,850 acre-feet. The reservoir, which is a tributary of Ipswich River, covers a surface area of 290 acres and serves as a primary source of water for the local community.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Putnamville Reservoir East Dike is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and reliability. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in July 2014, and it meets guidelines for risk management. Despite its high risk rating, the structure has not been modified in recent years and has no spillway, indicating the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Essex County can appreciate the importance of this reservoir and the measures in place to protect both the dam and the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
2100 |
Dam Height |
23.6 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF IPSWICH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
290 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.81 |
Nid Storage |
7850 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Putnamville Reservoir East Dike
Ipswich Road Topsfield