Stithians Reservoir (Original Construction & Flood Reduction Project)
Stithians, Cornwall, England, UK · 1965 (Original construction); 2026 (Flood reduction project completion) · £1,125,000 (cost of dam construction at the time) [Kiddle.co]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe reservoir was formed in 1965 to provide water supply to the region [Water Projects Online] - An active flood-reduction project was underway for completion in April–May 2026 [Facebook] - Experiences with significant low water levels during droughts highlight the importance of water resource management [BBC News, Falmouth Packet]
Key engineering challenges
Construction in a location recognised as the windiest inland dam in the UK [Water Projects Online] - Managing low water levels during drought periods and ensuring water supply resilience [BBC News, Facebook] - Implementing flood reduction measures to protect the surrounding area [Facebook]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- South West Water
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build | flood management
- Scale
- Area of 1.08 km2; Gross capacity of 5,415 ML (or 5,205 million litres); Dam 41.5 meters high, 244 meters wide [Water Projects Online, Kiddle.co, BBC News]
- Disciplines
- Civil; geotechnical; environmental
- Standards & frameworks
- Dam safety regulations (implied); Water quality standards (implied)
Sources: Water Projects Online (Stithians WTW): https://waterprojectsonline.com/case-studies/stithians-wtw-2023/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10) - Kiddle.co (Stithians Reservoir Facts for Kids): https://kids.kiddle.co/Stithians_Reservoir (Accessed: 2026-06-10) - BBC News (Stithians reservoir low water level): https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-15511392 (Accessed: 2026-06-10) - Facebook (Stithians reservoir a few days ago): https://www.facebook.com/groups/216712035737683/posts/2130854157656785/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10) - Falmouth Packet (Stithians Reservoir, Cornwall pictures show low water level): https://www.falmouthpacket.com/news/23053060.stithians-reservoir-cornwall-pictures-show-low-water-level/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10)