Posted on Tuesday 2nd December 2025
The water level is being lowered while a range of work is being carried out at Chasewater
Water levels at Chasewater reservoir are being gradually lowered to allow work on the dam wall.
Once lowering is complete, the water will remain 2 metres lower than usual while the work is carried out.
Nearby residents, and businesses and clubs using the reservoir have been notified.
At the same time the Canal and Rivers Trust will be carrying out maintenance work on the valves, which control the water flow into the canal network.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Chasewater Country Park, which includes the reservoir, said that because of its age the dam and its supporting wall were regularly inspected. She said:
The reservoir is more than 200 years old and the dam wall itself is made of earth and stone and the architects in the late 1700s actually designed it to allow a little water through it.
Following the latest scheduled inspection, we’re going to carry out some maintenance work and at the same time we’re having a look at the filter system that manages the seepage through the dam wall.
In its own way, it’s incredible that something designed and built in the 1790s should still be in daily use, but unsurprisingly it does require regular inspection and maintenance by the county council.
The reservoir is used and enjoyed by many people, so it makes sense to do everything at once to minimise disruption. The work will carry into 2026 and we are keeping everyone affected informed of its progress.”