The reservoirs, known as Cilcain 1 and 2, were originally constructed in 1896 to provide drinking water but are no longer necessary since the local community is now supplied by the Alwen reservoir in Conwy.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is leading the initiative to replicate the original course and flow of the Nant Gain river. The first step involves emptying both reservoirs and excavating the embankment that separates them. Due to the cost, the lower embankment will not be removed, but instead, a wide channel will be dug to allow the river to pass through.
Tudur Ellis, the project manager, explained the aim is to restore the river to its natural state before the embankments were built. He emphasised that keeping the reservoirs was not feasible due to changes in reservoir safety regulations.
Mr Ellis said: “They required significant investment and construction work to bring them up to current regulations. This is why Welsh Water is returning the natural landscape.
“By carefully designing the restoration process, we aim to enhance the biodiversity in the area by reinstating the natural river corridor, creating a thriving habitat for wildlife. The reservoirs are located within an AONB near Moel Famau, and restoring the site to its natural state is in keeping with the surrounding landscape.”
To ensure the new river channel closely follows its original path, a geomorphologist has been employed during the project. The site will be left to be reclaimed by nature.
Artists’ impressions have been created to showcase the expected appearance of the site after the restoration work is completed. These images suggest the outlines of the reservoirs will still be visible, with the river flowing through a basin partially surrounded by woodland.
The restoration work began in March and is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year. However, Cilcain 3 and 4 will remain as reservoirs.
This £2 million project follows a previous £3 million investment to restore two other disused reservoirs, namely Llyn Brân in Denbighshire and Llyn Anafon in Gwynedd. The latter project faced strong opposition from local residents.
Recently, Senedd members Carolyn Thomas and Hannah Blythyn visited the site to assess the progress. Ms Thomas expressed her hope that a “green lush area” would emerge. She said: “This not only promotes the preservation of our environment but it also enhances the area’s ecological balance,” she said.
Currently, two unclassified roads and approximately 20 residential properties are at risk of downstream flooding during extreme weather events. However, a feasibility study concluded the reservoir restoration scheme will have no impact on flood risk.
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