The map from the late 1880s shows the Reservoirs that would become Witton Lakes and Brookvale Park.
In 1854 Birmingham Water Works gave notice of an application to be given to Parliament (thumbnails). It appears that one of the reservoirs would be situated at Witton Upper Pools where existed a Mill and Mill House.... belonging to Wyrley Birch Esq. In 1830 there is an advert To LET for Upper Witton Mill, occupied by an Edge Tool manufacturer, but capable of being used as a flour mill, with house, stable, outbuildings and 8 acres of land, and two large pools for the supplying the mill with abundant supply of water.
Another reservoir would be situate at Witton Lower Pools with Mill and Mill House, belonging to Wyrley Birch. In 1828 another advert for Lower Witton Rolling Mill with House and pools, and excellent water wheels.... Supply of water believed to be equivalent to 5 Horse power...... Reservoirs about eleven acres, and presumed that reservoirs could be increased to supply the town of Birmingham with soft water... at much less expense than the river Tame which is 22 feet lower and of inferior quality.
From another paper it says that the engineer proposes to deepen and enlarge the Witton Upper Pools and convert item into a reservoir covering upwards of 30 acres. The water will flow from this storage ground through Hawthorn Brook into Witton Lower Pools where by deepening and enlarging the area, another reservoir will be constructed. From there the water will flow through pipes to Aston Reservoir.
(The application could be of interest to Lady P as it tells of some of the field names and their owners, such as Bleak Hills, Middle and Lower Slades and Hawthorn Brook.)
In 1858 the B'ham Water Co report that work on the cleansing, deepening and enlarging the Lower Pools is nearly complete.... they regret to report that the bank of the lower of the Upper Witton pools burst causing damage but no loss of life.
In March 1856 Abraham Jones invites all to a Farewell at the Forge Tavern, Upper Witton Pools as it will be the last time rowing and sailing boats will be placed on the beautiful water. They will be then sold as the water is required for the waterworks. At the Lower Pools and the Boat Tavern it seems business as usual.
A report in 1874 concerning the B' ham Waterworks Co, its history and works, describes Witton Well, although it has not included dates.... situated at the top of the Upper Witton Reservoir, near the Golden Cross at Short Health. (It then goes on to describe the details of the sinking) The quantity of water this well is capable of yielding has been tested as 2.5 million gallons per day.