Pawtucket Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Pawtucket Reservoir, also known as Arnold Mills Reservoir, is a local government-owned water supply reservoir located in Cumberland, Rhode Island.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at 33 feet high and stretches 2900 feet in length, providing crucial water storage of up to 5300 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 255 acres and has a drainage area of 18 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 6700 cubic feet per second.

With its primary purpose being water supply, Pawtucket Reservoir plays a vital role in meeting the water needs of the community. The dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2018 rated the reservoir as fair, indicating ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts to mitigate any risks associated with the dam.

As a key source of water for the region, Pawtucket Reservoir serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience. Its location along Abbott Run River and its proximity to Providence, Rhode Island, highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term availability and quality of this essential resource.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

2900

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

ABBOTT RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

255

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

5300

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.