Water from Lake Vyrnwy could be used to supply cities further afield under new plans being considered by its owner.

United Utilities – which manages the reservoir itself as opposed to Severn Trent, which manages its surrounding car parks – has denied it has any change the water levels of Vyrnwy.

But the company has confirmed that it is investigating the possibility of providing a supply of water to other areas beyond Liverpool, the main area the currently enjoys water from the site near Llanfyllin.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “There are no plans to either raise the water levels at Lake Vyrnwy or take any additional water from the lake beyond what is currently allowed.

“However, as the climate changes and the population grows, we are working with our industry partners to investigate how we manage water resources.

“One of the options being explored is the use of water transfers to assist other regions in providing a reliable supply of water for their customers whilst always ensuring resilient water supplies to our own customers.”

Currently, water from Lake Vyrnwy is mostly used to supply United Utilities customers in Liverpool and Cheshire but can be pumped to Manchester if needed.

In February 2022, people living in Cheshire and Merseyside were asked to give feedback on a five-year project to refurbish the Vyrnwy aqueduct.

The 110km aqueduct, which runs from Vyrnwy to Merseyside, was completed in 1892 and comprises of three parallel pipelines, delivering water to areas in England.

Chris Tighe of United Utilities said: “The aqueduct requires maintenance to preserve the high quality drinking water that we supply to customers.

“Over time, a build-up of natural minerals can settle within the aqueduct pipelines from the water running through them.

“These minerals don’t pose any health risks but can result in discoloration of the water if disturbed and be detrimental to the internal condition of the pipe.

“We have already refurbished 40 per cent of the pipe and will now be completing the remaining length between now and 2028.”

United Utilities has not said whether the massive refurbishment relates to any review of its water transportation capacity.