Written evidence from Mrs Carol Moss (FFP 40)
I am a member of the Premises Committee of the Keswick Quaker Meeting House. Besides being a place of worship this building is also used by many community groups in the town.
The flood barriers installed after its first flood in 2005, and the internal resilience measures installed after its second flood in 2009, failed to protect the building from severe damage caused by the flooding of December 2015.
In response to the third question, relating to the management of river catchment areas, flow and water storage I with to raise the following concern:
- Keswick suffered devastating floods because the River Greta overtopped the town’s flood defences which were installed after the 2009 floods.
- The River Greta takes water from St John’s Vale, which flows first into Thirlmere, the reservoir managed by United Utilities for the supply of water to Manchester.
- Water levels in Thirlmere were exceptionally low at the beginning of November 2015 because there was virtually no rain in October. At the end of November heavy rain caused the River Greta to rise rapidly to within a few feet of the top of Keswick’s flood defences.
- It has been said that Thirlmere received 1/3 of its total water capacity during a 24 hour period, at this time.
- Two weeks later, on 5th December, the River Greta flooded Keswick and a large ‘wave’ was set in motion on the now brimming Thirlmere which poured over the dam, flooding the water treatment works, causing our domestic water supply to be cut off.
- United Utilities have been quoted as saying that 80% of excess water collected into Thirlmere does not flow into the River Greta, via St John’s Vale. This means that 20% does. The better management of that 20% could make the difference between Keswick flooding or not flooding.
- United Utilities has a duty to ensure a supply water to its customers and to maximize profits for its shareholders.
- Could the Committee please examine the role of the Environment Agency, and other appropriate bodies, in controlling and policing the activities of United Utilities and other water companies.
- Specifically could it please consider the conflicting requirements to maintain high levels of water for customers as against the safe and effective management by reference to the impact upon communities affected by the storage of water. What water storage safety margin is currently required and should a higher safety margin be imposed?