The Dow Brook Reservoir and Dam are located along High Street/Route 1A adjacent to the Ipswich Utilities Complex. They were originally constructed in 1894. Seepage on Dow Brook Dam was observed by Water Department staff on the downstream slope of the dam in early April 2018. The Water Department worked closely with its engineering consultant and the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety to complete investigations and repairs, and bring the dam back in to compliance with Massachusetts Dam Safety Regulations.
The project was partially funded by a state grant in excess of $700,000.
With the dam rehabilitation complete, the Department is now addressing the Office of Dam Safety requirement to have a functioning low level drain. An evaluation of alternatives has been completed, which also includes restoring access to the low level intake. Restoring the low level intake will provide access to move than 10 million gallons of reservoir water that is currently inaccessible. The Department is currently reviewing options.
