NI Water completes major safety improvements at Dunalis Reservoir near Coleraine
NI Water has completed major safety improvement works at Dunalis Reservoir near Coleraine, as part of a wider £6 million investment programme to strengthen reservoir safety across Northern Ireland.
The project involved replacing and enlarging the reservoir’s spillway channel, allowing excess water to be discharged more safely during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall.
The upgraded infrastructure has been designed to manage extreme flood flows, improve the reservoir’s resilience during severe weather and meet current reservoir safety standards.
Dunalis Reservoir upgraded to withstand extreme rainfall
The main element of the project was the replacement and enlargement of the existing spillway channel.
A spillway is an essential safety feature that allows excess water to flow away from a reservoir in a controlled manner, helping prevent water levels from rising beyond safe limits.
The new channel has been engineered to accommodate extreme flood flows, increasing the reservoir’s ability to cope with severe weather events.
NI Water says the improvements will help protect the long-term structural integrity of Dunalis Reservoir and reduce risks associated with exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Although the reservoir is not used to supply drinking water, it remains part of NI Water’s infrastructure and requires regular inspections, maintenance and safety improvements.
Part of £6 million reservoir safety investment programme
The Dunalis Reservoir scheme forms part of a wider £6 million package of investment aimed at improving the safety and resilience of key reservoirs across Northern Ireland.
NI Water maintains the impounding reservoirs within its ownership, including those that are no longer used for drinking water supply.
The organisation says continued investment is essential to maintaining these structures safely and protecting nearby communities and the surrounding environment.
The programme is intended to address existing infrastructure requirements while preparing reservoirs for future challenges, including extreme weather.
NI Water welcomes completion of safety works
NI Water Senior Project Manager Mark Richardson welcomed the successful completion of the project.
He said the improvements were an important part of the organisation’s wider commitment to reservoir safety and resilience.
Mr Richardson explained that although Dunalis Reservoir does not supply drinking water, it remains an important asset requiring appropriate maintenance and protection.
The enlarged spillway has been designed to accommodate extreme flood flows, helping safeguard the reservoir during severe weather and support its long-term integrity.
He also highlighted the lasting benefits of infrastructure investment, saying the improvements would continue to protect the reservoir and surrounding environment well beyond the construction period.
Engineering partners deliver Dunalis Reservoir project
The scheme was delivered with support from consulting engineering firm AECOM and specialist civil engineering contractor BSG.
AECOM provided design, project management and site supervision services throughout the project, while BSG carried out the construction works.
NI Water thanked local stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the scheme, as well as the project partners involved in its delivery.
The completion of the Dunalis Reservoir works marks another stage in NI Water’s long-term programme to maintain and improve reservoir infrastructure across Northern Ireland.
External link: NI Water official website.
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