Chelmarsh Reservoir is a water supply reservoir located in the village of Chelmarsh, Shropshire. The reservoir is operated by South Staffordshire Water and was created in 1963 to augment the supply of water in a large area of South Staffordshire and the Black Country. The main source of water to the reservoir is from abstraction from the River Severn.

Chelmarsh
CountryEngland
LocationShropshire
Construction began1963
Opening date1966
Construction cost£680,000
Owner(s)South Staffordshire Water
Dam and spillways
Type of damEmbankment dam
ImpoundsChelmarsh Brook
Height27m
Length700m
Elevation at crest70.1m
Spillway capacity18m3
Reservoir
Total capacity3,063,000m3
Catchment area1km2
Surface area0.39km2
Normal elevation68.9m
Power Station
Hydraulic head28m

The reservoir is the main source of supply for Sedgley beacon service reservoir that feeds potable water to some parts of Wolverhampton. Chelmarsh Reservoir attracts many species of wild birds.

Hydrology

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The site chosen for the reservoir was the valley of Chelmarsh Brook on the west bank of the Severn, about ¾ mile from Hampton Loade Ferry. Previously the site had been the location of a small dam which created Park Pond and served as an ornamental lake for Chelmarsh Hall.

Recreational

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The reservoir is home to a sailing club (www.chelmarshsailing.org.uk) whose refurbished facilities were opened by the Princess Anne in 2004. Chelmarsh Sailing club encourages people of all ages to learn to sail, it has an expanding fleet of modern sailing boats which are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It has arguably the best sailing facilities within 50 miles range.

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52°29′07″N 2°23′35″W / 52.485334°N 2.393113°W / 52.485334; -2.393113