Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Mill Pond Dam in Middleton, Massachusetts, is a privately owned masonry dam situated on Emerson Brook.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam stands at 10 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 8.5 feet. It offers a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 62 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.6 acres.
Despite its recreational benefits, Mill Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of June 2018. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure safety. The dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to mitigate potential dangers.
Given its location and structural characteristics, Mill Pond Dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a potential risk to the surrounding area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find interest in the complexities of managing and maintaining such a dam, balancing the benefits of recreation with the imperative of safety and risk mitigation.
Dam Length |
220 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
EMERSON BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
8.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
8.5 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Mill Pond Dam
Boxford Road 41-43, Ipswich