United Utilities has announced plans for a final series of consultation events about its future plans for Crummock Water, Chapelhouse Reservoir Ennerdale Water and Overwater.

In March this year, the water company stopped abstraction for public water supply from Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater as well as at Ennerdale Water.

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. The proposed overflow level will be around 1.35m lower than the existing weir. Following the completion of works there will be a natural fluctuation of the level of around 1.5m which will mean that during periods of high flow the lake will be above the current weir level.

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 embankment as well as the realignment of a short section of White Beck where it meets with the proposed realigned section of the River Ellen. A section of the River Ellen that runs through Stockdale Farm will also be realigned.

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.

For Ennerdale Water, the company has started to carry out a feasibility assessment that will inform what the future plans look like. The assessment will look at the impact of changes to the lake level, river flows and flood risk and ecology and habitats and biodiversity enhancements.

United Utilities is working closely with organisations including the Environment Agency, Natural England, National Trust and the LDNP as it continues to develop its plans for each reservoir.

United Utilities will hosting four separate drop-in events next week to present the plans.

Subject to planning permission, work is likely to begin in 2025/26 at Chapelhouse, Crummock and Overwater.