<\/p>\n
\n The White Horse reservoir is scheduled to hold 150bn litres of water with a surface area of 6.7 sq km (2.6 sq miles) \u2013 almost the same size as Gatwick airport.\n<\/p>\n
\n The estimated cost has rocketed from \u00a32.2bn to between \u00a35.5bn and \u00a37.5bn after a review last year more than tripled the site to 38 sq km to accommodate extra building works, relocate adjacent solar farms and reroute local rivers and streams.\n<\/p>\n
\n READ MORE: Thames Water’s new reservoir is ‘critical’\n<\/p>\n
\n Thames Water said the scheme, formerly known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, needed \u201cadditional access points to carry out construction and environmental mitigation works, such as new habitat creation\u201d, forcing it to carry out \u201ctargeted consultation with landowners, and those with an interest in land that may be impacted by this change\u201d.\n<\/p>\n
\n Last month, the water company said the new reservoir would be “critical” amid rising temperatures.\n<\/p>\n
\n A public consultation into the original plans concluded in January. Last week, a further consultation began and is expected to end next month. Thames aims to submit a planning application by late 2026.\n<\/p>\n
\n If approved, main works construction would begin in 2032 with water available by 2040, serving 15 million people.\n<\/p>\n
\n Thames said the reservoir is needed to cope with the growing population in the south-east and the changing climate, which has put pressure on water resources in many parts of the UK, including during this summer’s unprecedented heatwaves.\n<\/p>\n
\n Customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water are due to pay for the new reservoir through their bills over the next 100 years.\n<\/p>\n
\n An artist’s impression of the new reservoir (Image: Thames Water)\n<\/p>\n
\n Vale of White Horse District Council, Abingdon town council and Oxfordshire County Council have rejected the plans, citing flood risks to neighbouring villages from rivers and streams on the site that will need to be diverted.\n<\/p>\n
\n Derek Stork, chair of the Group Against Reservoir Development, said the reservoir was a flawed concept and there were more sustainable ways to supply water to the area.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said Thames Water had failed to consult adequately with local organisations, councils and residents.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cNo dam breach analysis or comprehensive flood risk modelling has been shared, despite the reservoir\u2019s location on a red-rated flood plain and the potential for catastrophic consequences in the event of failure,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
\n Leonie Dubois, head of engagement for Thames Water at the reservoir site (Image: Thames Water)\n<\/p>\n
\n Leonie Dubois, delivery director, consents and place for Thames Water, said: \u201cFollowing the UK\u2019s hottest summer on record it\u2019s vital we invest in our future water supply.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We remain confident the reservoir is the best value option for securing water supplies for 15 million people across the South East, including Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water customers.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis targeted consultation is just the latest part of our ongoing programme of engagement around the project, which we have been undertaking for more than four years. The feedback we get, along with feedback gathered during our statutory public consultation last year, will help inform our proposals.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe reservoir also represents a hugely exciting opportunity for local people, and our recent research show 89 per cent of people across the South East support the project.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Dubois added: “We are creating a space that people can visit and enjoy with their families and friends, whether that\u2019s to walk, cycle or sail. The site will be brimming with natural habitats, wetland and woodlands and the clay embankments will be designed with varied gradients and gentle slopes to blend naturally into the surrounding Oxfordshire landscape.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe UK has an excellent reservoir safety record and our proposed new reservoir in Oxfordshire would meet strict safety standards set out under the Reservoirs Act 1975. The reservoir will be designed, built and operated under the act.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
#Thames #Water #updates #plans #White #Horse #reservoir<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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