Balsams Wastewater Lagoons Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Located in Dixville, New Hampshire, the Balsams Wastewater Lagoons are privately owned earth dams completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of serving as wastewater storage facilities.
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Summary
These lagoons, with a height of 28 feet and a length of 785 feet, have a storage capacity of 27.1 acre-feet and cover a surface area of 2.2 acres. Despite being in fair condition, they are categorized as having significant hazard potential, with a high risk assessment rating of 2.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Balsams Wastewater Lagoons are regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The last inspection in June 2019 found the lagoons to be in fair condition, with a regular inspection frequency of 4. While they do not have a spillway, outlet gates, or locks, the lagoons are designed with a buttress core type and an earth dam type, catering to their specific purpose as wastewater storage structures in a rural area.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find the Balsams Wastewater Lagoons a fascinating case study of privately-owned earth dams that play a crucial role in managing wastewater in New Hampshire. With a focus on state-regulated maintenance and a high-risk assessment rating, these lagoons serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
785 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
NA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.2 |
Nid Storage |
27.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Balsams Wastewater Lagoons