Plans to restore Crummock Water back to nature will be on display next month.
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, United Utilities wants to remove the weir, some of the equipment used for collecting water supplies and the supporting infrastructure.
It said depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it 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 with the Environment Agency and Natural England as it continues to develop its plans and the company has engaged specialist contractors to carry out 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.
United Utilities will be hosting three drop-in events on:
- Tuesday February 21 between 1pm and 7pm at The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth
- Wednesday February 22 between 1pm and 7pm at The Wave Centre, Irish Street, Maryport
- Thursday February 23 between 1pm and 6pm at The Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, Finkle Street, Workington
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.
More information can be found at https://www.unitedutilities.com/Crummock
