Centerville Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Centerville Pond in West Warwick, Rhode Island, is a historic dam completed in 1885 along the Pawtuxet River.


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Summary

With a height of 16 feet and a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, this structure serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water supply. Despite its age, Centerville Pond is still regulated and inspected by the state, with a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as poor.

The dam's poor condition raises concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts, as it poses potential risks to the surrounding community in case of a failure. With a drainage area of 73 square miles and a maximum discharge of 2700 cubic feet per second, the impact of a breach could be significant. The dam's location in Kent County, Rhode Island, highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical infrastructure.

Given its historical significance and the potential hazards associated with its current condition, Centerville Pond serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing water resources and infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. Climate resilience efforts and proactive maintenance strategies are crucial to safeguarding communities and ecosystems that rely on structures like Centerville Pond for water management and protection against flooding.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

PAWTUXET RIVER

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

73

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.