Why does Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire have plug holes? By Gavin Bevis

BBC News Published duration 26 October 2019

image copyright Flo Neilson image caption The plug hole does not lead to Australia

Two fishermen caused a stir earlier this week when they were filmed sailing perilously close to a giant "plug hole" at Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire.

Severn Trent Water, which owns the reservoir, said the pair had put themselves in a serious danger and warned others not to copy them

Ladybower Reservoir has two of these dramatic-looking "plug holes" but exactly what do they do?

They are not magical portals

image copyright Severn Trent Water image caption The plug holes sit at opposite sides of Ladybower Reservoir

One wag on social media joked the plug holes provided a direct route to Australia while another person said they were told as a child there was a giant mincing machine at the bottom.

Inevitably the truth is more mundane.

Technically known as shaft spillways but affectionately known as plug holes, the drains were designed to regulate water levels in the reservoir by letting out water when the reservoir became full after prolonged wet spells.

The water is carried away down tunnels through the dam to the River Derwent downstream.

Each plug hole has a diameter of 24m (78ft) and the drop from the exit point to the floor of the tunnel below is 20m (66ft).

These shaft spillways have been nicknamed bellmouth or morning glory - after the flower - spillways.

Importantly, they look pretty cool too.

image copyright Severn Trent Water image caption The plug holes are more than 70 years old

What would happen if you fell in?

Following the water down the hole would not end well, according to Severn Trent Water.

"If somebody fell in, they would very seriously hurt themselves," a spokeswoman said.

"They would also find themselves stuck because access to the river has a grille so they would need a professional rescue team to get them out."

media caption The anglers were filmed by a woman who was walking her dogs

Do they do anything else?

Good question. These plug holes aren't just about getting rid of excess water - they also create energy.

Severn Trent Water has proudly stated that water released from the reservoir is used to create hydroelectric energy to power its water and sewage treatment works.

You might think the overflows would be the perfect place for this to happen, but the firm said it actually takes place inside the dam, with excess water from pipework passing through two large turbines.

image copyright Simon Bull image caption The plug holes are popular with photographers

Could we see a photo looking up from inside the plug hole?

Absolutely, here you go.

image copyright Severn Trent Water image caption You don't want to fall down here

Do other reservoirs have plug holes?

Yes they do - but not many. Next time you're enjoying a visit to the Brecon Beacons in Wales, look out for one at Llyn Pontsticill Reservoir.

You'll find another near the Monticello Dam in Lake Berryessa, Napa County, California. Its nickname is "The Glory Hole" if you need to ask a local for directions.

How do other reservoirs get rid of excess water?

A more common sight than shaft spillways are overflow spillways, which carry water down part or all of the dam.

It was damage to the spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, that saw more than 1,500 residents ordered to leave their homes over fears the dam would collapse and flood the town.

image copyright PA Media image caption Damage to Toddbrook Reservoir's spillway prompted a mass evacuation

Other reservoirs employ side channel spillways, which as the name suggests channel the water away from the side of the dam, or outlet towers, which mechanically pump water from the reservoir.

You'll find one of these at Rutland Water along with a limnological tower - used to study aquatic ecosystems within the reservoir.

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