Millville Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Millville Lake Dam, located in Salem, New Hampshire, stands as a critical structure regulating the flow of the Hitty Titty Brook, serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1917.


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Summary

This earth dam reaches a height of 20 feet and spans 484 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 690 acre-feet and a surface area of 54 acres. Despite its age, the dam has faced challenges in recent years, with a poor condition assessment and a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections by the NHDES DAM BUREAU to ensure public safety.

The dam's location within Rockingham County, New Hampshire, underscores its significance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Additionally, its moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address potential vulnerabilities. With a history of modifications dating back to its construction, the Millville Lake Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in safeguarding against natural disasters.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to advocate for sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements, the Millville Lake Dam presents a compelling case study for the intersection of recreational, regulatory, and environmental concerns. With its poor condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing aging infrastructure and navigating the complexities of water resource management in the face of climate change. As stakeholders work towards enhancing the dam's resilience and addressing safety concerns, the Millville Lake Dam remains a vital component of the region's water infrastructure, embodying the delicate balance between human development and environmental preservation.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

484

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

HITTY TITTY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

54

Drainage Area

10.18

Nid Storage

690

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.