The Elan Valley Reservoirs are a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan Valley in Mid Wales. The reservoirs, which were built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, provide clean drinking water for Birmingham in the West Midlands of England. The five lakes are known as the Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg, Garreg-ddu, and Caban-coch.
Caban-coch Reservoir c. 1963.
Garreg-ddu dam seen at low water, summer 2003. Its job is to maintain a constant level in the reservoir during drought conditions so water can still enter the Elan Valley aqueduct.
Garreg-ddu (left) and Caban-coch (right), October 2007. The two reservoirs are separated by a submerged dam that maintains water levels during drought conditions.
Pen-y-garreg dam, c. 2004.
Birmingham Corporation Water Department
The Birmingham Corporation Water Department was responsible for the supply of water to Birmingham, England, from 1876 to 1974. It was also known as Birmingham Corporation Waterworks Department.
Birmingham Waterworks Tower by John Henry Chamberlain
Pediment of Elan Aqueduct valve house with "Birmingham Corporation Water" wording
Foel Tower in the Elan Valley
City of Birmingham Water Department sign at Perry Barr Reservoir
