Slaithwaite Reservoir: Historic Yorkshire reservoir reaches milestone in multi-million pound revamp
Safety, reliability and long-term climate resilience will be improved by major work on a reservoir above Huddersfield. Victoria Finan reports.
It has served as a vital part of West Yorkshire’s water network for over 200 years.
And Slaithwaite Reservoir, near Huddersfield, is now being upgraded to ensure it remains fit for purpose, having reached a milestone in the construction of a multi‑million‑pound scheme to ensure that it is climate change-proof.
A new spillway has been constructed, marking the first major phase of the upgrade.
The reservoir, maintained by the Canals and River Trust, is a popular spot with both walkers and anglers.
According to the Trust, the new, modern spillway will have a greater capacity to manage increasingly frequent extreme weather events, improving the reservoir’s safety, reliability and long‑term climate resilience.
Slaithwaite Reservoir - also known as Hill Top Reservoir - can hold over 300 million litres of water, around the same as 120 Olympic‑sized swimming pools, and at almost 22 metres high, its dam may have been the tallest of its time.
Built 225 years ago by renowned canal engineer Benjamin Outram, the reservoir was created to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a vital industrial route in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and North East regional director at Canal & River Trust, said the project would secure the long-term future of the reservoir.
He said: “With such unprecedented weather conditions this year, our charity’s significant programme of investment to improve our large reservoirs across the country is more important than ever.
“This work will help to secure the long-term future of Hill Top Reservoir as an important resource for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and in turn the Huddersfield Broad Canal.
“Originally constructed in the late 18th century, this reservoir, like much of our historic network, requires ongoing maintenance and upgrading to meet present day standards.
“These reservoirs help to feed our canals and maintain water levels along the inland waterways.
“Their function is proving increasingly important to help us manage water levels during more frequent extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, with prolonged dry weather and wet winters.”
The Canal & River Trust charity that looks after the reservoir and Huddersfield Narrow Canal has commissioned civil engineering company JN Bentley to undertake the works, to ensure that historic reservoirs like this are meeting present day standards, as required by the 1975 Reservoirs Act.
The main construction phase to improve the spillway will last around 13 months, with completion expected by early summer 2027. Water levels will be lowered at times to allow work to take place, the Trust said.
A spokesperson said: “These essential upgrades will ensure the reservoir can continue supporting both the canal and the local community for generations to come.”