Carsington Reservoir

Carsington Water
A sailing regatta at Carsington Water.
Carsington Water Location in Derbyshire
Location	Derbyshire
Coordinates	53°3′30″N 1°37′50″W / 53.05833°N 1.63056°W / 53.05833; -1.63056Coordinates: 53°3′30″N 1°37′50″W / 53.05833°N 1.63056°W / 53.05833; -1.63056
Lake type	reservoir
Primary inflows	tunnel/aqueduct from River Derwent
Primary outflows	River Derwent
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Managing agency	Severn Trent Water
Built	1989 (1989)
First flooded	1992
Max. depth	33 m (108 ft)
Water volume	35,412 ML (28,709 acre·ft)
Surface elevation	200 m (660 ft)
Islands	2 islands, one opposite the Sailing Club, and the sailing centre.

Carsington Water is a reservoir operated by Severn Trent Water in Derbyshire, England. The reservoir takes water from the River Derwent at Ambergate during winter months, pumping up to the reservoir by 10.5-kilometre (6.5 mi) long tunnels and aqueduct. Water is released back into the river during summer months for water abstraction and treatment further downstream. It is England's ninth largest reservoir with a capacity of 35,412 megalitres.

Planning for the reservoir started in the 1960s with actual construction starting in 1979. In 1984 there was a partial collapse of the dam prior to its filling. The dam was subsequently completely removed before construction of a new dam commenced in 1989. The finished reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.

The reservoir is a major centre for leisure activities including walking, cycling, fly fishing, birdwatching, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. The land surrounding the reservoir, in particular the facilities around the visitor centre, has played host to events including a music festival, the Festival of the Peak.

There are 3 main buildings on the Reservoir, that serve the public in a few different ways.

The Visitor Centre is the largest building, with a cafe featuring panoramic views. There is a small retail outlet currently leased by the RSPB and an outdoor equipment store. Carsington Sports and Leisure is a place for the public to rent equipment, primarily bikes. The company also rents kayaks, canoes, small rowing boats, sailing boats and windsurfing equipment. The company has a good stock of new windsurf hire equipment, with 3 quality starboard boards and sails from 3.5 to 7.5, with beginner kit also. Carsington Sailing Club owns an extensive proportion of the shoreline. Members can hire boats, as well as store boats from small dinghies to anchored cruisers.