Crompton Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Crompton Lower, located in Kent, Rhode Island, is a private dam on the Pawtuxet River-South Branch with a history dating back to 1885.


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Summary

This masonry, gravity, and earth dam stands at 12 feet tall and stretches 350 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 182 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 72 square miles and a maximum discharge of 4090 cubic feet per second, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last assessment in May 2018. The inspection frequency is listed as zero, indicating a potential need for more regular monitoring and maintenance. While the dam's primary purpose is categorized as "Other," its significance in water resource management for the area cannot be understated. With a surface area of 20 acres and a normal storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, Crompton Lower serves as an essential piece of infrastructure for the local community.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the condition and functionality of dams like Crompton Lower is paramount in ensuring the sustainable management of water systems. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam on the Pawtuxet River-South Branch stands as a testament to the intricate balance between human intervention and natural forces in shaping our water resources. It is essential to prioritize regular inspections, maintenance, and potential risk management measures to preserve the integrity and functionality of structures like Crompton Lower for future generations.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

PAWTUXET RIVER-SOUTH BRANCH

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

72

Nid Storage

182

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

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.