WATER levels at reservoirs in the Elan Valley are in a “very healthy position”, despite images appearing in recent weeks showing levels at two of them to be worryingly low.

Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water announced last month that it was carrying out essential maintenance work on pipes at the Craig Goch dam, which would necessitate a closure along a 190-metre stretch of the top of the dam for six months, until January 12 next year.

The company has said this week that lower levels of water seen at Craig Goch and the Pen-y-Garreg reservoirs are due to safe depths being required so that diving operations can be undertaken.

“The Elan Valley reservoir system is in a very healthy position in terms of water volumes,” said a Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water spokesperson.

“We currently have contractors carrying out essential maintenance works to Craig Goch dam.

These works require reduced levels in both Craig Goch and Pen-y-Garreg reservoirs to facilitate safe depths to undertake diving operations and protect our workforce.

“Water has not been lost or wasted in the process of reducing the water levels in these two reservoirs.

“Claerwen, the largest reservoir, is full and Caban Coch reservoir’s level is higher than normal for this time of year."

Craig Goch reservoir during a dry spell.Craig Goch reservoir during a previous dry spell.

Craig Goch in the Elan Valley. Craig Goch in the Elan Valley. Picture by Jonathan Rudd.

With the summer being largely wet and cold so far this year, 2024 is a far cry from the scorching temperatures of 2022, when the history of the Elan Valley resurfaced when water levels dropped drastically.

Even more tourists than usual were flocking to the Elan Valley two summers ago, as they were able get a glimpse of the ruins of a house dating back nearly 450 years.

The lost mansion of Nantgwyllt House had been viewable only because the record-setting Powys heat led to a dramatic lowering of the water levels in the dams – including the lowest one, Caban Coch.

When the Caban Coch water levels drop low enough during prolonged dry spells the garden walls of Nantgwyllt are exposed, along with a couple of stone bridges and many other remnants and several other buildings seemingly lost forever.