- Wilton Water
Infobox lake
lake_name = Wilton Water
image_lake = Uk-crofton-pumping-station-wilton-water.jpg
caption_lake = With the canal and railway from theCrofton Pumping Station
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location =Wiltshire
coords = coord|51.35827|N|1.62511|W|region:GB_type:waterbody_source:enwiki-osgb36(SU262622)|display=inline,title
type =reservoir
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outflow =
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basin_countries = United Kingdom
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frozen =Wilton Water (or Wide Waters) is a small reservoir, located near the village of
Great Bedwyn in the English county ofWiltshire , which supplies thesummit pound of theKennet and Avon Canal with water.It is the catchment for all the rainfall from the eastern end of the
Vale of Pewsey and the surrounding hills, and it has been responsible for the development of the habitation in this area for many centuries. [cite web | title=The hamlet of Wilton | work=This is Wiltshire | url=http://www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/graftonparish/page2.phtml | accessdate=2006-09-24]It was created between
1794 and1810 , by damming a narrow branching valley and is fed by natural springs. In addition to providing water for the canal, which is pumped byCrofton Pumping Station , it provides a haven for wildlife. [cite book |last=Allsop |first=Niall |title=The Kennet & Avon Canal |year=1987 |publisher=Millstream Book |location=Bath |id=ISBN 0-948975-15-6 ]When the canal was built, there were no reliable water sources available to fill the summit by normal gravitational means. However a set of usable springs were found adjacent to the canal route about one mile (2 km) east of the summit pound, and about 40 feet (12 m) below it. Arrangements were made for these springs to feed the pound below lock 60 at
Crofton Locks . Some years later the reservoir was created to enhance the supply to this pound.The reservoir outfall and sluices are designated as a grade II
listed building . [cite web | title=Reservoir outfall and sluices | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=310749 | accessdate=2006-09-30]References
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