Fact Sheet : Bremerton's Casad Dam

Casad Dam is located approximately 10 miles from downtown Bremerton in a protected watershed. The dam is a concrete arch structure completed in 1957. It is owned and operated by the City of Bremerton to impound the Union River for the city's drinking water supply. Downstream of Casad Dam is McKenna Falls, which provides a natural barrier to migratory fish. The city provides an environmental benefit by protecting water quality and ensuring downstream fish flows.

When full, the Union River Reservoir holds over a billion gallons of water and supplies about 60% of the city's drinking water during years with normal precipitation. Casad Dam is one of Bremerton's most remarkable and valuable investments.

Specifications

• Height: 190 feet
• Length 416 feet
• Elevation at top: 643.7 feet above sea level
• Thickness at base: 56 feet
• Drainage Area: 3,000 acres
• Surface area at crest: 40 acres
• Water storage at crest: 1.4 billion gallon

Dam & Water Use

Use of Casad Dam is regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology Dam Safety Section in accordance with state law. Ecology's directive is to reasonably secure safety to life and property by assuring that dams are properly designed, constructed, operated and maintained. Dam engineers regularly inspect Casad Dam. Engineering analysis concludes that the dam is well constructed and maintained and that the basalt rock that supports the dam is stable. Casad Dam can handle stresses very well and has adequate strength under flood and earthquake conditions.

The City of Bremerton has an Operation and Maintenance Manual for the dam as well as an Emergency Action Plan which describes procedures to minimize damage and alert downstream residents of any problems. The city will ensure future reliability of Casad Dam through responsible operation and maintenance, regular inspections, and coordinating with dam safety officials and local emergency management personnel.

Additional Information

For more information call:

• Bremerton Public Works and Utilities 360-473-5920
• Washington State Dam Safety Section 360-407-6208
• Casad Dam information for downstream residents
• Mason County's Emergency Management Division