In an effort to reach deeper lead veins around Wirksworth, Meerbrook Sough (more than 30m lower than Cromford Sough) was driven from the River Derwent, near Whatstandwell starting in 1772.
By 1836 it was causing serious problems to Cromford Mills as the new sough reduced the amount of water in Cromford Sough and they ceased production in 1846.
Meerbrook Sough was later extended to over 4 miles and is now utilised to produce some 3.75 million litres a day for the public water supply.