Due to its proximity to the River Rea, the reservoir, which is owned and administered by the Environment Agency, serves as a flood storage area.
The reservoir stores extra water during a river increase to assist prevent floods until the river level returns to normal.
Following a site assessment, it was determined that some mandatory repairs were required to bring the reservoir in compliance with the new safety standards.
These include enhancing the reservoir’s current construction as well as expanding and redesigning the nearby spillway.
Other projects include strengthening the embankment by protecting the reservoir’s downstream slope from erosion.
Environment Agency Operations Manager for the West Midlands Richard Bentley stated:
We are making changes to the reservoir to make it more resilient to increased safety standards in response to a recent site inspection. The reservoir project began earlier this year and should be finished by the end of the fall.
We’re thrilled to be able to improve the larger site as well, introducing new habitats and introducing pollinator-friendly wildflowers.
The rebuilt dam will be covered in wildflower grassland as part of the initiative to attract pollinators and create habitats, among other environmental improvements to the area.
Additionally, more than 250 trees will be planted in nearby parks.
The nature reserve at the location is still open to the public while the construction is taking place.
For cyclists using National Cycle Route 5, which passes past the reservoir, a detour is also in place.