Eden Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Eden Mill Dam, located in Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey, is a privately owned concrete dam primarily used for water supply from the Whippany River.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 11.6 feet and with a length of 178 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 31.8 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is inspected every 2 years by the state regulatory agency, NJDEP, to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam, constructed for water supply purposes, plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its location in the Whippany River watershed highlights its importance in providing water for various uses. The dam's last inspection in June 2020 revealed its poor condition, prompting the need for monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts to address safety concerns. With a maximum discharge capacity of 129 cubic feet per second, the dam's role in flood control and water management cannot be understated.

As climate change impacts intensify, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Eden Mill Dam become even more critical. With the potential for increased precipitation and extreme weather events, ensuring the integrity and functionality of water infrastructure is essential for safeguarding communities and the environment. By staying vigilant in monitoring and maintaining dams like Eden Mill, water resource and climate enthusiasts can contribute to sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

178

Dam Height

11.6

River Or Stream

Whippany River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

31.8

Nid Storage

43

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.