Eau d'Heure lakes, Artificial lake complex in Wallonia, Belgium.
Eau d'Heure is a system of five linked reservoirs in the Walloon region covering roughly 6 square kilometers across forested hills. The water basins reach up to 43 meters (141 feet) deep and are enclosed by dams that form walking paths and viewpoints along the shorelines.
In the 1970s, Belgium built five dams and a pumped storage plant to generate power and secure drinking water. The project turned several river valleys into the country's largest human-made lake complex, linking hydroelectric production with outdoor recreation.
The area serves as a gathering spot for sailing, kayaking, and fishing, especially on weekends when families arrive to explore the forested shores. Small beaches and picnic zones line parts of the water, blending quiet woodland scenery with the sounds of people enjoying the outdoors throughout the season.
Visitors can book guided tours of the Plate-Taille dam, which include underground tunnels and an observation tower rising over 100 meters (328 feet). The shore areas are suitable for walking and cycling, with marked trails running through woods and along the water's edge.
The reservoir uses reversible turbines that move water between basins, handling up to 400 cubic meters (14,000 cubic feet) per second. This pumped storage technology allows the plant to store energy and quickly balance peak demand in Belgium's electricity grid.
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