By Katherine Turner
Armley resident Daniel Riley is calling for urgent improvements to Farnley Balancing Reservoir.
Daniel has raised concerns over silt buildup, lack of lifesaving equipment and access for emergency services.
He began campaigning back in 2013, after a brush with danger. Daniel told WLD: “Me and a friend were walking around Farnley reservoir when all of a sudden we were getting blown closer and closer towards the water, if it wasn’t for a tree that we were able to cling onto we both would have been in the water.”
Daniel then looked into why the perimeter is easily accessible, liaising with Yorkshire Water to get safety features installed and increased signage.
Further concerns were raised by Daniel around the increased silt buildup: “I have been fighting for the huge buildup of silt to be removed. Back in 2021 Yorkshire Water agreed to remove up to 100 tonnes of silt costing an estimated £75,000 which was expected to take seven days, the contractors left after day 3. They promised to carry out phase two of removing another estimated 100 tonnes of silt during 2022, this never happened.
“They said that the removal of the silt would be used to create another small island in the middle of the reservoir for wildlife.
“Since the removal of silt back in 2021 Yorkshire Water has allowed this urban reservoir to fall into disrepair. Silt buildup is expanding.”
Daniel’s concerns around the silt is that any rescue craft would not be able to navigate over the silt, which he believes could put lives in danger and an increased flood risk.
Daniel is now a water safety campaigner after coming across the story of Dylan, who drowned whilst swimming in a disused quarry and his mum Beckie who has campaigned for increased water safety education in schools through her site.
From September 2026, the Department of Education’s statutory guidance for all primary and secondary schools in England will now include water safety education in their Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “The reservoir is currently managing flows as it should be.
“That being said, we are currently looking into our options for addressing the silt build-up in Farnley Reservoir, and will be working with local stakeholders as we progress.”
Daniel has urged anyone that has concerns about the reservoir to contact Yorkshire Water directly or contact him via X/Twitter @openwateradvice.
The reservoir was cleared of silt build up regularly ( think maybe every 5 years)before privatisation and Leeds council had to hand it over to Yorkshire Water. Ever since they have made every excuse possible to avoid doing the necessary. It was built to try and alleviate flooding further down the valley. I personally believe they would love to fill it in and get millions for housing land. ( Like they did for the White Rose Centre!