Nant-y-moch Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nant y Moch |
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dam spillway
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 Nant y Moch
Location in Ceredigion
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| Location | Cambrian Mountains, Wales |
| Coordinates | 52°28′5″N 3°50′22″W / 52.46806°N 3.83944°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 525 acres (212 ha) |
The Nant-y-moch Reservoir is a large lake created by people. It is located in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains in northern Ceredigion, Wales. This reservoir is close to a mountain called Pumlumon.
The name Nant-y-moch comes from a small stream that used to flow here. In English, "Nant-y-moch" means "the pigs stream." The reservoir was made by building a dam about three miles north of the village of Ponterwyd.
Nant-y-moch Reservoir is an important part of the Cwm Rheidol hydroelectric power scheme. This scheme uses the power of water to make electricity. The reservoir holds the beginning of the River Rheidol. Water from Nant-y-moch helps to create 13 megawatts of power when it flows into another reservoir called Dinas Reservoir.
Building the Nant-y-moch Reservoir
The Nant-y-moch Reservoir was built in 1964. To create the reservoir, a large dam was constructed. This dam caused the valley north of it to fill with water.
What Happened to the Old Valley?
When the valley was flooded, a small village called Nant-y-moch was covered by water. Before the flooding, people carefully moved the contents of the local graveyard. These items were taken to the chapel in Ponterwyd to keep them safe.
Workers also moved several ancient stone piles called cairns. These cairns were very old, with some dating back to the Iron Age. The Iron Age was a time in history when people started using iron tools and weapons. Moving these old structures helped to preserve history before the valley became a lake.
