Cookie consent

We use cookies to track how you use our website to help improve your experience and show you personalised content. You can accept the use of all cookies or manage them individually. You can find out more about your options by clicking “manage cookies".

Strictly necessary/functionality cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Find out more about our cookies

United Utilities shares more information on future plans for Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater

31 Oct 2022

United Utilities has revealed more information about its proposals for Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater.

Following on from a series of public exhibitions earlier this month, the water company has provided more information on how it intends to return these water bodies back to nature once it stops extracting water from them at the end of the year.

At Crummock water, work could involve removing the weir structure, some of the equipment used for collecting water supplies and supporting infrastructure. This could lower the water level by approximately 1.35 metres, allowing rivers and streams to return back to their historic natural channels.

The work at Chapelhouse Reservoir could include the full removal of the eight metre dam crest, pump house, spillway channel, overflow pond and abstraction tower.  Plans also include realigning around 800 metres 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.

The work at Overwater could include the removal of the existing weir and a 50 metre section of the embankment as well as the realignment of 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 ecological contractors to carry out a wide scope of surveys and assessments.

The schemes are expected to deliver several environmental benefits including the restoration of natural salmon habitat, removing barriers to fish and eel movements, the restoration of natural flows along becks and rivers in the surrounding catchment area as well as additional tree planting.

Further public consultation events will take place in February and August 2023 before planning proposals are submitted to the local authority for consideration.  Subject to the relevant permissions, work is likely to begin in 2025/26.  Plans for Ennerdale are being drawn up separately and will be shared when available.

More information can be found here - https://www.unitedutilities.com/Crummock