Reservoirs (Cumbria)

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asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will state for each reservoir in Cumbria, to what extent in percentage and gallonage terms, they are now full.

On 2nd March, 26 or North West Water Authority's 30 reservoirs in Cumbria, including Thirlmere, were overflowing; with the situation at the other four as follows:

1. Haweswater: 92 per cent. full at 17,230 million gallons (mg) usable capacity; but inflow during February was reduced artificially to avoid overflow and interference with Shap Aquaduct construction work downstream;

2. Wet Sleddale (part of Haweswater headworks) 60 per cent. full at 360 mg, but at this time of year this reservoir is drawn down so as to intercept subsequent floods;

3. Fisher Tarn, Kendal, 70 per cent. full at 63 mg; and

4. Lower Birds Park, Kendal, 66 per cent. full at 10 mg, but deliberately held down.

Volume 927: debated on Friday 11 March 1977