Ground trial for new reservoir given green light

Construction of the proposed reservoir would begin in 2029

Thames Water has secured planning approval for a reservoir embankment trial which will inform design plans for a proposed new reservoir.

The company wants to build a 150 billion litre reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

The trial, which has been approved by Vale of White Horse District Council, means Thames Water can start studying the ground at the site, and will begin this summer.

Thames Water said the reservoir would help to secure future water supply for local Oxfordshire residents, as well as 16 million people across the Thames Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water catchments.

Thames Water said the new reservoir would also be a community resource where people can walk, cycle and sail

The trial will use land within the proposed reservoir site to create a test embankment, assessing how much water it absorbs and how the clay changes when compacted.

Thames Water's head of engagement, land and consents Leonie Dubois said the reservoir, known as SESRO (South East Strategic Reservoir Option), would play a vital role in avoiding a future water crisis.

"As the population grows and the effects of climate change continue to take hold, demand for water will only increase," she said.

Lee Dance, organisational director at Water Resources South East, said it was "encouraging" to see the plans for the reservoir progress.

The trial will take 12 months to complete, and a public consultation will also take place.

Should Thames Water secure government approval for SESRO, construction is currently expected to begin in 2029 and the reservoir is planned to begin operating in 2040.