We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
07/08/2008
A grand old lady of water supply in the North East celebrates her 100th birthday tomorrow (08/08/08).
Northumbrian Water’s Fontburn reservoir near Rothbury, Northumberland, and its treatment works has been the source of drinking water for about 75,000 people for a century.
Reporters and photographers are invited to an event to mark the anniversary at the reservoir from 11am when local Wansbeck MP Dennis Murphy will unveil an anniversary stone.
After a VIP lunch there is the opportunity to tour parts of the site including a wildlife walk in the nature reserve.
Outbreaks of cholera and typhoid prompted the realisation of the Victorian dream of the construction of Fontburn reservoir and treatment works to supply clean water to Bedlington, Cambo and Tynemouth – areas still served by the current works which supplies up to 20 million litres each day.
The location, in the shadow of the Simonside Hills, was picked by the then Tynemouth Water Company as, although it was remote, it was already served by a railway, including the impressive 60ft high viaduct.
The former nearby Whitehouse Limeworks, which had sidings, kilns and a tramway linking to quarries further east, essential for the building materials for the construction was another deciding factor.
It took more than seven years to construct the works and the reservoir, during which time a hutted village developed, so that women and children could come and join their husband and fathers, working there. The first village created the hamlet that still exists today.
Fontburn reservoir is also a haven for wildlife and an important leisure asset. It is a premier fishing venue and, to celebrate the anniversary, a number of prized golden trout have been stocked for the 11,000 or so anglers who visit throughout the season.
For further information contact: Alistair Baker on 0191-301-6851.