Residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, have condemned the draining of Clydach Reservoir as an act of “environmental vandalism.” Welsh Water, the owner of the beauty spot, explained that it wants to convert the reservoir into a natural lake since it hasn’t supplied drinkable water since 2004. However, Jake Castle, who launched the petition with over 500 signatories, described the site as an “absolute mess.” Castle went on to say that the site has meaning for the communities of nearby Ynysybwl, Pontypridd, Cwmaman, Ferndale, Perthcelyn, and Mountain Ash.
Castle’s online petition further said that the site is essential for both the physical and mental well-being of local people and that the reservoir could be used to manage flood risk by storing and slowly releasing floodwater, which would lower the peak flows of the Clydach and Taff rivers. Besides being an important wildlife habitat and providing water to fight summer forest wildfires, the area also serves as a picturesque and tranquil destination for visitors.
Welsh Water communicated its intentions, saying it had “a lot of work to do in developing the plans, which we will share with the local community once they are complete.” In response to concerns about the impact on wildlife, Welsh Water stated that it engaged with Natural Resources Wales before the draining initiative began. It also pledged to continue working with the organization as plans progress. While the drainage of the reservoir may not be immediate, its local value is undeniable to many people in the area
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