In November 1819, plans were made for a new reservoir, to be constructed above Hawley's Pond. A contract for £790 (), for the earthworks was given to Henry West and Joseph Belfield of Shipley, and John Kiddy was awarded a £265 (), contract to build a bridge and other stonework. The contractors claimed extra payments for strengthening the dam and providing more puddling when it was tested in February 1821. £1,520 (), had been advanced to them, which was well in excess of the actual cost, but they refused to return the excess, and the canal company resorted to legal action to obtain a refund. Despite the extra provision, there were still problems with providing sufficient water to operate the canal.