Bewl Water

Infobox lake
lake_name = Bewl Water
image_lake = Bewl Water - boats JLV 3627 (507615935).jpg
caption_lake =
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location = Kent/East Sussex
coords = coord|51.06997|N|0.39508|E|region:GB_type:waterbody_source:enwiki-osgb36(TQ679328)|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow =
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basin_countries = United Kingdom
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cities = Location map
Kent
lat=51.06997
long=0.39508
width=180
float=right
caption="Bewl Water shown within Kent" (gbmapping|TQ679328)

Bewl Water is a reservoir in the valley of the River Bewl (which is a tributary of the River Teise), straddling the boundary between Kent and East Sussex. It is about 4 km south of Lamberhurst, Kent, England. The reservoir was part of a project to increase supplies of water in the area. It supplies not only Southern Water’s customers in the Medway towns, Thanet and Hastings, but is also used by other water companies in the area.

Work began to construct the reservoir in 1973 by damming and then flooding a valley. It was completed in 1975 having been filled with over 31,300 million litres of water. It is now the largest body of inland water in south east England.

In winter, when the flow in the River Medway exceed 275 million litres per day, river water is pumped to storage in the reservoir. There is an outline plan to raise the water level by a further 3m to increase the yield by up to 30% to help with the growing water demand in south-east England. This will however put further demands on the River Medway to supply the additional water required with the potential for environmental degradation in the river and the eco-systems that it supports.

The reservoir in common with most large clean water lakes, is host to a large variety of wildlife. Many recreational activities such as sailing, rowing, trout fishing and walking take place on and around the reservoir which makes it one of the region’s most popular attractions. There is also a passenger boat, a restaurant, conference facility and gift shop.

Bewl Water is home to Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, one of the largest rowing and sculling clubs in south east England. The club has strong links to the local community and has members covering a wide range of age and ability. It is Sport England ClubMark accredited and open to all.

External links

* [http://www.bewl.co.uk/ Official Bewl Water website]
* [http://www.bewlvalleysc.co.uk Bewl Valley Sailing Club]
* [http://www.bewlrowingclub.co.uk The website for Bewl Bridge Rowing Club]
* [http://www.cprekent.org.uk/news/2006/news-sub-cat-2/index.htm CPRE on recent emergency measures]
* [http://www.cprekent.org.uk/news/2005/news-sub-cat-10/index.htm CPRE on water supply issues in SE England]
* [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2006-04-26b.64974.h Theyworkforyou website shows a "little" political interest]