Shepaug Dam facts for kids
The Shepaug Dam is a large concrete dam located in Connecticut, between the towns of Newtown and Southbury. It was built in 1955 by the Connecticut Light and Power Company. This dam helps create electricity using the power of water.
The dam is 140 feet tall, which is about as high as a 14-story building! It stretches 1,412 feet across the Housatonic River and the Shepaug River. The dam holds back the water from these rivers, forming a big lake called Lake Lillinonah.
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Lake Lillinonah: Connecticut's Second Largest Lake
Lake Lillinonah is the second-largest lake in Connecticut. Only Candlewood Lake is bigger! This lake covers about 2.9 square miles. That's a lot of water!
The lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many state parks and recreation areas are located along its shores. People can enjoy fishing, boating, and exploring the beautiful natural areas around the lake.
How the Dam Makes Electricity
The Shepaug Dam is a hydroelectric power plant. This means it uses the movement of water to create electricity. Water flows through large turbines inside the dam. These turbines spin generators, which then produce electricity. The dam can create a lot of power, up to 42,600 kilowatts! This power helps light up homes and businesses.
A Special Place for Eagles
The area around the Shepaug Dam is a very important spot for birds, especially during winter. Many eagles and hawks come here to nest and find food. You can often see majestic bald eagles flying around.
Near the power station, there's a special eagle observation area. It was first opened in the mid-1980s. You can visit this area for free to watch the eagles. Sometimes, telescopes are even provided to help you get a closer look!
Employees from the power company and volunteers from groups like the Connecticut Audubon Society are often there. They can help you spot the birds and tell you more about them. You usually need to make a reservation to visit.
Eagles love this spot because the water churning through the dam's turbines keeps the surface from freezing. This means the birds can always find open water to fish, even in the coldest parts of winter. Besides eagles, you might also see red-tailed hawks, goshawks, great blue herons, and other water birds.
Another Dam with a Similar Name
It's important not to confuse the Shepaug Dam with another dam called the Upper Shepaug Reservoir Dam. That dam was built in 1965 and is owned by the city of Waterbury, Connecticut. It's located in a different county, Litchfield County.
