Home / Environment / Reservoir Plan Risks Flooding Keswick, Locals Warn
Reservoir Plan Risks Flooding Keswick, Locals Warn
25 Mar
Summary
- Thirlmere reservoir's flood defence agreement may end.
- Residents fear increased flood risk for Keswick town.
- Water firm cites environmental benefits for proposed changes.
Proposed alterations to Thirlmere reservoir's management by water firm United Utilities have raised concerns among local residents about an increased flood risk to Keswick. The company is applying to the Environment Agency to renew its water abstraction licences.
As part of this process, United Utilities wishes to discontinue a voluntary agreement made in 2008 with the Keswick Flood Action Group. This agreement involved deliberately lowering reservoir levels to mitigate flood potential. Residents contend that ending this practice would leave Keswick vulnerable to severe flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
United Utilities stated that environmental specialists advised the current management scheme has negative environmental impacts. The firm suggested that allowing the reservoir to over-top more regularly would better meet environmental agency guidance, potentially benefiting the migration of Atlantic salmon in St John's Beck. However, residents dispute the data supporting these claims, asserting the firm is choosing to disregard community safety.
The Environment Agency is currently reviewing the licence renewal application and public responses. Independently, it is working towards maintaining flood risk benefits from the Thirlmere reservoir.
