Work is set to start on a £1.8m project to carry out maintenance on a reservoir in County Durham.
Northumbrian Water’s Burnhope Reservoir in Wearhead, Weardale, supplies water to the neighbouring Wear Valley Water Treatment Works, as well as to the River Wear, helping to regulate its levels downstream.
The work will include drainage refurbishment on the external dam face, maintenance to the overflow near the valve tower, and modifications to the outlet tunnel feeding the treatment works.
Dependent upon weather conditions, the work is due to last until the end of 2022, but may run into early 2023.
Starting in July 2022, work will be carried out in partnership with Esh Stantec.
Mike Ciaraldi, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager said: “Burnhope Reservoir is a hugely important part of our water network. As our most westerly reservoir in Weardale, it plays a vital role in delivering water supplies to the Wear Valley and beyond, and its role in regulating water levels supports people, industry and wildlife downstream.
“This project will increase its resilience, to ensure it continues to deliver these benefits for years to come.
“During the course of the work, people living in the area may notice an increase in vehicle movement, but we will work to minimise any disruption, and we will be posting updates on our Community Portal for people to keep track of what is happening on site.”
People can follow progress at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk by following the links to the Burnhope Reservoir page.