The Lake District is set for a return closer to its natural state thanks to new plans that aim at removing man-made infrastructure. Following its decision to halt the abstraction of water from the area, United Utilities have formally submitted these major plans. Crummock water is set to remove the weir structure, including some of their equipment that’s been used for supporting infrastructure and for collecting water supplies in the hopes these sites will be returned to their natural state.
Currently, the weir does not provide any benefit in helping to manage flood risk downstream, United Utilities said. The new infrastructure plans for Lake District’s water are all part of a wider £1.1 billion investment to help eliminate storm overflow discharges.
These plans to ensure for a more natural state in the popular UK tourist spot includes the removal of weirs and dams from three Lake District waters including certain infrastructure.
In 2023, United Utilities stopped abstracting water from Crummock Water, Chapelhouse reservoir and Overwater as well as at Ennerdale Water.
Now Crummock Water have issued new proposals in the hopes these new plans will help manage stormwater runoff from heavy rainfall.
Alongside lowering overflow discharges in the area, these new proposals hope to bring the required changes needed to restore salmon habitats including having natural flows along becks and rivers.
New proposed plans at Chapelhouse Reservoir include removing its dam, spillway channel, pumphouse, overflow pond and abstraction tower.
Plans at Overwater include the removal of the embankment including the existing weir as well as the realignment of a short section of White Beck.
If approved by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), realignment to parts of the River Ellen will be included as well as a new bridge to be built over the river.
United Utilities said: “During the outline design stage, which will ultimately lead to submission of a planning application, further drop-in events will be organised to share the plans with the public.
“We are working closely with organisations including the Environment Agency, Natural England, National Trust and the LDNP as it moves forward its plans for each reservoir.”
United Utilities added that works would see Park Beck, currently a concrete channel, to revert back to its natural curves.
The company also said these changes will help reduce the speed at which the water enters Crummock Water, therefore decreasing flood risk.