United Utilities has announced plans for another series of consultation events for residents to find out about its future plans for Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater.
Once all customers in West Cumbria are supplied by the new pipeline from Thirlmere, United Utilities will stop abstraction for public water supply from Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater.
At Crummock water, it is currently planned to remove the weir structure, some of the equipment used for collecting water supplies and the supporting infrastructure. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, this could lower the water level in Crummock Water in the region of 1.35 metres, allowing rivers and streams to return back to their historic natural channels where these flow into the lake.
The work at Chapelhouse reservoir is currently planned to include the full removal of the dam, pump house, spillway channel, overflow pond and abstraction tower. Plans also include realigning sections of the River Ellen, located at the bottom of the valley and the realignment of the existing public right of way and the creation of a new bridge crossing.
At Overwater, the current plans include the removal of the existing weir and the majority of the embankment as well as the realignment of the downstream reach of the White Beck to the point it meets with the proposed realigned section of the River Ellen.
United Utilities is working closely with the Environment Agency and Natural England as it continues to develop its plans and the company has engaged specialist contractors to carry out a wide range of surveys.
The schemes are expected to deliver environmental benefits including the restoration of natural flows along becks and rivers in the surrounding catchment areas, the restoration of natural salmon habitat, removing barriers to fish migrations and additional tree planting.
The water company will be hosting three drop-in events on:
- Tuesday 21 February 2023 between 1pm and 7pm at The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ
- Wednesday 22 February 2023 between 1pm and 7pm at The Wave Centre, Irish Street, Maryport, CA15 8AD
- Thursday 23 February 2023 between 1pm and 6pm at The Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
Subject to planning permission, work is likely to begin in 2025/26. Plans for Ennerdale are being developed separately and will be shared and consulted on when available.
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