WATER supplies in Whitby will be secured for future generations when work on a six million litre reservoir is completed next summer.

Work began this week on the large new underground service reservoir, which is located off Castle Road near to Sneaton Castle, replacing a smaller one which would not cope with predicted population growth.

Yorkshire Water, which is undertaking the work, operates dozens of these reservoirs across the region - though it’s unlikely customers will have seen many of them as most are buried underground.

Varying in size, the underground tanks are used to store treated drinking water before it is fed through to customers’ taps. Many have been in operation between 25 and 100 years and although they are regularly maintained, this investment will enable Yorkshire Water to also improve the quality of water Whitby customers’ receive.

The reservoir that will be replaced was built in 1910, and is one of three reservoirs on the Castle Road site.

Engineering specialists Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) have been engaged to carry out the project and their first job will involve demolishing the existing reservoir to make space for the new one.

When complete in summer 2018 the reservoir will store six million litres of quality treated water – compared to an Olympic size swimming pool which holds 2.5 million litres.

Project manager Dave Ellis said: “We’re committed to providing our customers with some of the best drinking water in the world. This investment should ensure that our customers in Whitby continue to receive a secure supply and excellent water quality for another 80 years.”

“For eight weeks from February 6, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Castle Road while we demolish the existing reservoir’s retaining wall and set up access to the our site. “All the site traffic will travel from the west, via the B1460, to avoid travelling through Whitby and a temporary speed limit of 40mph will be placed on Castle Road to allow vehicles to enter and exit the site safely. We’re sorry for any disruption the work and temporary speed restriction may cause.”

Neither Yorkshire Water or MMB employees will need access to residents’ properties and residents are being asked to be on their guard against bogus callers. Genuine employees carry identity cards which can be verified by calling 03451-242424 and won’t mind waiting while their credentials are verified.