Life could be very different for area residents if not for the dam at North Hartland Lake. The dam is located on the Ottauquechee River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. Its purpose is to hold back the Ottauquchee in times of flooding, in order to keep down the level of the main channel of the Connecticut River. North Hartland's dam is one of a series of flood control dams on tributaries of the Connecticut River. These dams have prevented hundreds of millions of dollars in flood damage, and protect lives and property in four New England states.

The Reservoir Regulation Team (RRT), located in Concord, MA is the "nerve center" for the New England flood control dams such as North Hartland Lake. Using radio and satellite communications, RRT constantly monitors river levels and weather conditions that influence flood control decisions. By monitoring these conditions, RRT can coordinate the efforts of all the flood control facilities in New England.

Corps personnel, in conjunction with RRT, regulate the amount of water released downstream by raising or lowering three 6'x10'6" gates located in the gatehouse. In times of high water, the gates are lowered in order to hold back the water, only to be released when downstream river conditions begin to recede.

While the area's history of severe flooding means a permanent flood control dam is needed here, some years are decidedly drier than others. The most water the dam has held back since it was built was in April 1987 when 135 feet of water was stored. This is about 100 feet more then normal.

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