Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam, located in Rahway, New Jersey, was completed in 1907 and serves as a vital water supply infrastructure for Union County.


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Summary

This earthen dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 425 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1,269 acre-feet and a drainage area of 19.1 square miles. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a primary purpose of water supply, Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in providing safe and reliable water resources to the surrounding communities. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2021. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may be activated, although details regarding its preparation and guidelines compliance are yet to be updated. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Overall, Robinson's Branch Reservoir Dam stands as a key component of the water infrastructure in Union County, New Jersey, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the region. Its historical significance, combined with its regulatory oversight and regular inspections, highlights the importance of maintaining and managing this essential water resource infrastructure for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Robinsons Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

87

Drainage Area

19.1

Nid Storage

1269

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

27
       
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.