Scottish Water has started work to raise the height of the dam at the Black Esk reservoir.

The dam is to be made 2.5m higher in order to secure future water supplies.

The £5.5m project, led by contractors Black & Veatch, will increase the capacity of the reservoir, offering a more secure and consistent supply of water, even during dry spells.

Local Councillor Craig Peacock said: "This is a major project to protect future water supplies to the area and is a welcome investment from Scottish Water.


"The engineering needed to complete the project is quite fascinating and I look forward to a return visit to Black Esk to see works progressing, especially the new piano key weir. All investment into our area can only improve the utilities needed for our residents and has to be a good thing for the people of Annandale & Eskdale."

Scottish Water is also upgrading water mains in the area throughout 2013 and possibly into 2014. The work will see £2.4m of improvements carried out to around 32km of water mains to improve the stability of supply and water quality.

In 2010, an £8.9m drinking water project at Black Esk was completed. This work upgraded the treatment process, enhancing the water supply to the area.

(JP/CD)