Reservoirs
Water, water everywhere!
11,000 million gallons of water in fact.
That’s the amount of water the 11 reservoirs in Nidderdale National Landscape have the ability to store. It’s enough reservoir capacity to fill 17,000 Olympic swimming pools!
Why were they needed?
In the late 18th century Bradford was thriving as a result of the industrial revolution and people flocked to the city.
For expansion to continue, a plentiful supply of water to feed the growing number of people and mills was needed.
Why in Nidderdale?
With its steep sided valleys, underlying geology and high level of rainfall, the three main valleys of Nidderdale National Landscape – Washburn, Nidd and Colsterdale – presented the perfect conditions for reservoir construction.
Today
The 11 reservoirs in the National Landscape are:
- Angram
- Scar House
- Gouthwaite
- Leighton
- Roundhill
- Thruscross
- Fewston
- Swinsty
- Lindley Wood
- March Ghyll
- Lumley Moor
Seven of these are water supply and provide water to Leeds, Bradford and Ripon. Four are compensation reservoirs for the rivers.
They all provide important habitats for wildlife and are popular places for walking, cycling and fishing.
