Welsh Water has issued an update after concerns were raised about the appearance of the water at Claerwen Reservoir in the Elan Valley.
The water company says ongoing maintenance work at the reservoir, combined with recent heavy rain, has temporarily changed the water's appearance.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, Welsh Water reassured customers that the discolouration is not unexpected and is linked to work currently being carried out at Claerwen Dam.
A spokesperson said: "We're aware of local concerns about the discolouration of the water at Claerwen Reservoir in Elan Valley and would like to reassure customers that this is a temporary result of our maintenance work and recent weather.
"As part of essential maintenance at Claerwen Dam, we have temporarily lowered the reservoir by around 25 metres so specialist diving work can be carried out safely.
RECOMMENDED READING
-
Powys reservoirs water levels still low despite rainfall as impact of drought goes on
-
Photos of lost cottage reveal 70-year history of flooded Elan Valley reservoir
-
Crimewatch feature garners new information on body found in Powys reservoir
"The lower water level, combined with recent heavy rain, has stirred up natural sediment and changed the water's appearance.
"The work is nearing completion and, as the reservoir refills, the water should gradually return to its usual appearance.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these essential works."
Specialist diving work nearing completion
The maintenance project has required Welsh Water to significantly lower the level of the reservoir to allow specialist divers to work safely at the dam.
A photograph released by the company show the reduced water level, with large sections of the dam structure normally hidden below the surface now visible.
Welsh Water says the work is now nearing completion and the reservoir will gradually return to its normal level in the coming weeks.
As the reservoir refills, the company expects the water to return to its usual appearance.
Largest reservoir in the Elan Valley
Claerwen Reservoir is the newest and largest reservoir in the Elan Valley network, which also includes Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu and Penygarreg reservoirs.
Covering an area of 3.688 square kilometres, the reservoir is surrounded by the hills of the Cambrian Mountains and is a popular destination for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.
The dam stands 56 metres high and stretches 355 metres across the valley.
Holding around 48,300 megalitres of water, Claerwen contains almost as much water as all the other Elan Valley reservoirs combined.
Although its exterior was designed to match the appearance of the older Elan Valley dams, Claerwen differs structurally as it was built using concrete faced with stone.
Opened by Queen Elizabeth II
Construction began in 1946 and was completed in 1952, employing a workforce of around 470 men.
Italian stonemasons worked on the stone facing of the dam because many British stonemasons were engaged in post-war reconstruction projects elsewhere in the country following the Second World War.
The dam was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 23, 1952, during her first official engagement in Wales.
Like the rest of the Elan Valley system, Claerwen plays an important role in supplying water to Birmingham and parts of the West Midlands.
The reservoir can also generate up to 1,680 kilowatts of hydroelectric power.
Across the entire Elan Valley scheme, around 3.5 megawatts of electricity can be produced, enough to power approximately 6,000 homes.
Today, Claerwen remains one of Mid Wales's best-known beauty spots, attracting thousands of visitors each year while continuing to serve as a vital part of the region's water infrastructure.
Share