List of dams and reservoirs in the United Kingdom facts for kids
Have you ever wondered where the water you drink comes from? Or how we get electricity from water? In the United Kingdom, many of these answers involve amazing structures called dams and reservoirs!
A dam is a big barrier built across a river. It holds back water, creating a large artificial lake called a reservoir. These reservoirs are super important. They store water for us to drink, help control floods, and can even generate clean electricity. They also create cool places for wildlife and fun activities like sailing or fishing!
This article will take you on a tour of some of the most important dams and reservoirs across the UK.
England
England has many reservoirs, providing water for its large population and industries.
Buckinghamshire
In Buckinghamshire, you can find reservoirs like Foxcote Reservoir near Buckingham and Weston Turville Reservoir. These help supply water to local areas.
Cambridgeshire
Grafham Water is a large reservoir in Cambridgeshire. It's a popular spot for water sports and birdwatching.
Cheshire
Cheshire is home to several reservoirs, often nestled in beautiful countryside. Examples include Bosley Reservoir and Lamaload Reservoir near Macclesfield.
Cornwall
Cornwall's reservoirs are vital for its communities and visitors. Colliford Lake and Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor are among the largest. They also offer great outdoor activities.
County Durham
County Durham has many reservoirs, especially in its western uplands. These include Derwent Reservoir and Grassholme Reservoir, which are key water sources for the region.
Cumbria
Cumbria, with its stunning Lake District, has both natural lakes and important reservoirs. Haweswater Reservoir and Thirlmere are two large reservoirs that supply water to cities like Manchester.
Derbyshire
Derbyshire features many reservoirs, especially in the Peak District. Carsington Water is a huge reservoir known for recreation. The Upper Derwent Valley is famous for its chain of reservoirs: Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Reservoir, and Howden Reservoir. These were built to supply water to cities like Sheffield and Nottingham.
Devon
Devon's reservoirs, particularly those on Dartmoor, are crucial for water supply. Burrator Reservoir and Roadford Lake are significant examples, providing water and recreational opportunities.
East Sussex
East Sussex has reservoirs like Arlington Reservoir and Bewl Water. These are important for local water supply and are also popular for fishing and boating.
Essex
Essex relies on large reservoirs such as Abberton Reservoir and Hanningfield Reservoir. These play a big role in providing drinking water for the county.
Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire, you'll find reservoirs like Dowdeswell Reservoir and Witcombe Reservoir, which serve local communities.
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester has a network of reservoirs, many built in the hills surrounding the urban areas.
- In Bolton, you can find Lower Rivington Reservoir and Upper Rivington Reservoir.
- Oldham has Dovestones Reservoir and Yeoman Hey Reservoir, popular for walking.
- Rochdale includes Hollingworth Lake, a well-known leisure spot.
- Tameside features the Audenshaw Reservoirs.
Hertfordshire
The Tring Reservoirs in Hertfordshire are a series of four reservoirs that are important for wildlife and canal water supply.
Kent
Kent's reservoirs include Bough Beech and Bewl Water. Bewl Water is one of the largest in the South East of England, offering many water-based activities.
Lancashire
Lancashire has numerous reservoirs, often found in its scenic valleys. Stocks Reservoir is a major one, and others like Anglezarke Reservoir and Wayoh Reservoir are popular for walks.
Leicestershire
Leicestershire's reservoirs include Cropston Reservoir and Swithland Reservoir, which are important for water supply in the area.
Lincolnshire
Covenham Reservoir is a notable reservoir in Lincolnshire, used for water storage.
London
London, a huge city, relies on many reservoirs, especially those forming the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain. These include King George's Reservoir and William Girling Reservoir, which are vital for the city's drinking water.
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire has several reservoirs that help supply water to canals and towns. Pitsford Water is a large example, also used for sailing and fishing.
Northumberland
Northumberland is home to Kielder Water, the largest artificial lake in the UK by volume. It's a massive reservoir used for water supply, flood control, and recreation.
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire has many reservoirs, especially in the Yorkshire Dales. Grimwith Reservoir and Thruscross Reservoir are among those that supply water to nearby towns and cities.
Oxfordshire
In Oxfordshire, Farmoor Reservoir near Oxford is a significant water source and a popular place for water sports.
Rutland
Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. It's a huge reservoir in Rutland, famous for sailing, fishing, and cycling.
Shropshire
Shropshire has reservoirs like Chelmarsh Reservoir, which contributes to the local water supply.
Somerset
Somerset's reservoirs include Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake, both large and important for water supply to Bristol. Wimbleball Lake is another significant one.
South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire has many reservoirs, particularly around Sheffield. Ladybower Reservoir (partly in Derbyshire) and Dale Dyke Reservoir are well-known. These reservoirs are crucial for the region's water needs.
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is home to Blithfield Reservoir, a large body of water important for supply. Rudyard Lake is another popular spot for recreation.
Surrey
Surrey has a number of large reservoirs, including Queen Mary Reservoir and Staines Reservoirs. These are essential for supplying water to London.
Suffolk
Alton Water is a significant reservoir in Suffolk, providing water and recreational opportunities.
Warwickshire
Warwickshire's reservoirs include Draycote Water, a large reservoir popular for sailing and windsurfing.
West Midlands
The West Midlands has several reservoirs within its urban areas, such as Bartley Reservoir and Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham. The city also gets water from the Elan Valley Reservoirs in Wales.
West Sussex
West Sussex has reservoirs like Ardingly Reservoir and Weir Wood Reservoir, important for local water resources.
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire has a dense network of reservoirs, many in the Pennine hills. Scammonden Reservoir is notable as it has a motorway built over its dam. Other examples include Eccup Reservoir and Ryburn Reservoir.
Wiltshire
Wilton Water in Wiltshire is a header reservoir, meaning it helps supply water to the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Worcestershire
Worcestershire has the Bittell Reservoirs (Upper and Lower), which are important for water supply and nature.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own vital reservoirs, often located in scenic areas.
County Down
In County Down, the Silent Valley Reservoir is a major water source for Belfast. It's located in the beautiful Mourne Mountains. Spelga Reservoir is another important one in the area.
Scotland
Scotland, known for its lochs (lakes), also has many reservoirs, especially for hydroelectric power.
City of Aberdeen
Aberdeen has reservoirs like Mannofield Reservoir that help supply water to the city.
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire features reservoirs such as Garlogie Dam and Silver Dam, contributing to local water management.
Angus
Angus is home to Backwater Reservoir, a significant water body in the region.
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute, with its many lochs, also has reservoirs like Cruachan Reservoir, which is part of a large hydroelectric power scheme. Loch Sloy (Reservoir) is another key part of Scotland's power generation.
Clackmannanshire
Gartmorn Dam in Clackmannanshire is an important local reservoir.
Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway has reservoirs like Clatteringshaws Loch and Black Esk Dam, which are part of hydroelectric schemes and water supply.
City of Dundee
Clatto Reservoir helps supply water to the city of Dundee.
East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire has reservoirs such as Afton Reservoir and Corsehouse Reservoir.
East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire is home to reservoirs like Mugdock Reservoir, which are crucial for supplying water to Glasgow.
East Lothian
Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian is an important water source for the area.
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire has several reservoirs, including Balgray Reservoir and Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
City of Edinburgh
Edinburgh's water supply is supported by reservoirs like Harlaw Reservoir and Threipmuir Reservoir.
Falkirk
Falkirk has reservoirs such as Millhall Reservoir.
Fife
Fife features reservoirs like Ballo Reservoir and Cameron Reservoir, which are important for the region's water needs.
City of Glasgow
Hogganfield Loch is a significant body of water within Glasgow.
Highland
The vast Highland region has many reservoirs, often part of large hydroelectric schemes. Blackwater Reservoir and Loch Mullardoch are examples of these, generating clean energy.
Inverclyde
Loch Thom is a major reservoir in Inverclyde, providing water to the local area.
Midlothian
Midlothian has reservoirs like Gladhouse Reservoir and Glencorse Reservoir, which contribute to the water supply for Edinburgh.
Moray
Glenlatterach Reservoir is an important water source in Moray.
North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire has several reservoirs, including Munnoch Reservoir and Outerwards Reservoir.
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire features reservoirs like Daer and Hillend Loch, which are important for water supply.
Orkney
Orkney has local water sources like Stromness Waterworks.
Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross is home to reservoirs like Loch Tummel, which is part of a hydroelectric scheme, and Loch Turret Reservoir.
Renfrewshire
Rowbank Reservoir is a key reservoir in Renfrewshire.
Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders region has reservoirs such as Megget Reservoir and Talla Reservoir, which are vital for water supply to Edinburgh.
Shetland
Sandy Loch Reservoir is a local water source in Shetland.
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire has reservoirs like Loch Bradan and Penwhapple.
South Lanarkshire
Camps Reservoir and Culter Waterhead Reservoir are important in South Lanarkshire.
Stirling
Stirling has reservoirs such as North Third Reservoir.
West Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire features reservoirs like Jaw Reservoir and Burncrooks Reservoir.
West Lothian
Cobbinshaw Reservoir and Harperrig Reservoir are important water bodies in West Lothian.
Western Isles
The Western Isles have reservoirs like Loch Mor an Stairr and Loch Chliostair, which is part of a hydroelectric scheme.
Wales
Wales is known for its beautiful valleys and mountains, which are ideal for creating reservoirs. Many of these supply water to both Welsh and English cities.
Anglesey
On Anglesey, Llyn Alaw and Llyn Cefni are key reservoirs providing water to the island.
Bridgend
Kenfig Pool is a natural lake in Bridgend.
Cardiff
Cardiff's water supply comes from reservoirs like Llanishen Reservoir and Lisvane Reservoir.
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is home to Llyn Brianne, a large reservoir, and the scenic Llyn y Fan Fach.
Ceredigion
Ceredigion has reservoirs like Dinas Reservoir and Nant-y-moch Reservoir, which are important for water and power.
Conwy
Conwy has several reservoirs in its mountainous areas. Llyn Brenig (also in Denbighshire) is a large reservoir used for water regulation. Llyn Cowlyd supplies water to coastal towns.
Denbighshire
Denbighshire's reservoirs include Alwen Reservoir and Llyn Celyn. Llyn Celyn is particularly famous as it was built to supply water to Liverpool.
Gwynedd
Gwynedd has many reservoirs, often linked to hydroelectric power. Marchlyn Mawr and Llyn Padarn are part of the huge Dinorwig power station hydroelectric system. Llyn Trawsfynydd was built for the Maentwrog hydroelectric Power Station.
Merthyr Tydfil
In Merthyr Tydfil, you'll find Llwyn-on Reservoir and Pontsticill Reservoir, which are part of a chain supplying water to the Taff valley and Cardiff.
Neath Port Talbot
Eglwys Nunydd reservoir in Neath Port Talbot supplies water to the large steelworks at Port Talbot.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has Llys-y-Frân Reservoir, which is important for water supply and recreation.
Powys
Powys is home to some of the most important reservoirs in Wales. The Elan Valley Reservoirs are a famous group, including Craig-goch Reservoir and Caban-coch Reservoir. These reservoirs were built to supply drinking water to Birmingham in England. Lake Vyrnwy is another huge reservoir that supplies water to Liverpool.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Lluest-wen Reservoir is located in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Swansea
Swansea's water supply includes Cray Reservoir and the Upper and Lower Lliw Reservoirs.
Torfaen
Llandegfedd Reservoir in Torfaen is a significant water body.
Wrexham
Wrexham has local reservoirs like Cae Llwyd Reservoir.
See also
- Ofwat
- List of dams and reservoirs
- List of reservoirs in the United Kingdom by volume
- Geography of the United Kingdom
- List of lakes in England
- List of loughs in Ireland
- List of lochs in Scotland
- List of lakes in Wales
- List of rivers of the United Kingdom
- Waterways in the United Kingdom
