Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency are preparing to carry out a 10-year inspection on Bakethin Dam, at Kielder.
The inspection is a legal requirement as part of the Reservoir Safety Act 1975, and water levels will have to be lowered in Kielder Reservoir gradually from July so that the inspection can take place in November.
Bakethin Dam and Bakethin reservoir are at the north west end of Kielder Reservoir, which is owned and operated by Northumbrian Water. The Environment Agency is responsible for the water management at the site.
The dam was built to prevent unsightly mud flats forming, which would have occurred when water levels are low in Kielder Reservoir.
To inspect the dam, water will have to be released from the reservoir gradually, and this will be adjusted depending on the amount of rainfall received over the summer.
Gemma Reynolds, hydrologist at the Environment Agency, said: “It is essential that these works take place. The Environment Agency has worked closely with Northumbrian Water to ensure that no damage to the environment is caused and that the works are timed to minimise disruption to all users.â€
Alistair Baker, Communications and PR Manager for Northumbrian Water said: “We are confident that Bakethin will pass all the tests this time and reassure our 2.6 million customers in the region that we will remain vigilant in the future.”
With the inspection taking place in November, this will give plenty of time for natural refilling of Kielder over the winter months. The lowered water levels will not compromise water supply.
Information leaflets about the work will be available at Kielder’s visitor centres. Those who want more information or have further questions about how the inspection might affect them should contact kielder@environment-agency.gov.uk
