30 June 2009
A tranquil reservoir near Ulverston is undergoing vital modifications to keep it in tip top shape.
Pennington reservoir is being fitted with a new wave wall and improvements to its spill way as part of a £2m scheme by Cumbria's water company United Utilities. The work is expected to take until August.
The 130-year-old reservoir plays a vital part in the water supply network for Ulverston, Dalton-in-Furness and parts of Barrow.
Project construction manager Derek Fryer said the scheme would help the reservoir serve the community for decades to come.
"We carry out regular checks on the dam to make sure it is working well and every ten years an independent expert known as a panel engineer gives it a thorough investigation to make sure it meets all the most up-to-date standards. These inspections tell us what works we need to do to keep the reservoir functioning well," he said.
These standards are laid down in the Reservoirs Act 1975 and the project is part of United Utilities' £2.9 billion five-year programme to improve water quality and the environment.
Built in 1879, Pennington reservoir can hold up to 625 million litres of water and is linked by an 1,100m underground tunnel to nearby Poaka Beck reservoir, explained headworks controller Mike Dixon who operates the reservoirs in south west Cumbria.
"In order to carry out the works safely, engineers have had to draw down the water level by 2.5 metres. However, by careful management, they have managed to keep half the reservoir open for use by members of Barrow Angling Association," he said.
Traditional Cumbrian stone walling techniques will ensure the new wave wall blends in with the local scenery.
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CAPTION: Overseeing works at Pennington reservoir are United Utilities' project construction manager Derek Fryer (right) and the company's South Lakes Headworks Controller Mike Dixon.