Clean drinking water is fundamental to our society. It is a precious resource, as people simply cannot survive without it. In the past, Liverpool faced significant challenges with its water supply. This led to the creation of Lake Vyrnwy in the 1880s, a reservoir in Powys, Wales, built specifically to provide the people of Liverpool with fresh water. Today, we take a closer look at this remarkable feat of engineering. For more information, visit liverpoolname.com.
The Story of Its Creation
Lake Vyrnwy was formed by flooding the upper part of the River Vyrnwy valley. The project began in 1879 when George Deacon was commissioned to draw up plans for the Vyrnwy dam. The location was carefully selected for its large size, favourable geology, and, most importantly, the reliable flow of the River Vyrnwy.
The dam itself was designed by the chief engineer, Thomas Hawksley. Construction on the stone dam started in 1881 and took seven years to complete. Notably, it was the first large stone-built dam in the country and cost £620,000.
Between 1881 and 1892, aqueducts were constructed to carry the water all the way to Liverpool. In 1889, the newly formed lake was stocked with 400,000 trout.
However, the project’s success came at a price. The creation of the reservoir required the flooding of the village of Llanwddyn. Its residents were relocated, and a church, two chapels, three pubs, ten farmhouses, and 37 cottages were demolished.
About the Dam
The Vyrnwy dam stands 44 metres high and stretches for nearly 360 metres. A road bridge runs along its crest. The structure was built with drainage tunnels to prevent pressure from building up under the foundations—a pioneering design for its time in the UK. At the foot of the dam lies a stilling basin, which is designed to absorb the energy of overflowing water.
The site also features a small powerhouse with a generator that runs on hydropower. Before the arrival of mains electricity, this was the only source of power for the immediate area.
Another vital structure is the straining tower, which rises 47 metres from the lakebed. It filters the water through a fine metal mesh before it begins its 109-kilometre (68-mile) journey through the aqueduct to Liverpool.
It’s important to note that Lake Vyrnwy is not just a crucial water source for our city; it is also a designated nature reserve. The surrounding area features several bird hides and is a haven for rare species such as the peregrine falcon, pied flycatcher, common redstart, Eurasian siskin, and wood warbler. In total, 90 species of birds have been recorded nesting here. The area is also home to several species of butterflies.
Why the Quality of Drinking Water Matters
For most of us, access to drinking water is something we take for granted. We’re used to having clean water on tap and rarely stop to consider where it comes from. But water is an incredibly important resource for every living creature. Contaminated water can have a devastating impact on human health, leading to epidemics, infectious diseases, and poisoning. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of all diseases are linked to unsafe drinking water. That is why monitoring its quality is so vital. Doctors recommend drinking at least two litres of water daily, as consistently failing to do so can lead to dehydration. Staying properly hydrated with good quality water also helps to:
- Lose weight. Drinking enough water can help you shed a few pounds, particularly if you replace fizzy drinks, sugary juices, tea, and coffee with plain water.
- Support a healthy heart. Good hydration is an excellent preventative measure for cardiovascular diseases.
- Boost energy. Dehydration can leave you feeling drained, whereas water is a natural source of energy. Headaches are also a common sign of dehydration, so getting into the habit of drinking water regularly is always a good idea.
- Improve your skin. Water is essential not only for health but for beauty as well. Maintaining a good fluid balance helps to keep your skin toned, improves its elasticity, and restores its natural, healthy colour.
We hope you found this article insightful and have learned a little more about the history behind our city’s water supply.