We are progressing plans for two new reservoirs – one in Lincolnshire, and another in the Fens in partnership with Cambridge Water.

 

The new reservoirs are at the heart of a whole new water supply project. Together with the associated water infrastructure we need to transfer water to the reservoirs, treat the water, and supply it to homes and businesses it will secure a reliable water supply for generations to come.

 

When there is available water in rivers that would otherwise drain to the sea, we would draw that water and transfer it to the reservoirs using new and existing infrastructure and waterways. The reservoirs will store the water for when it’s needed.

 

Our vision for the projects goes beyond simply creating a new public water supply. They are significant investments in England’s water infrastructure and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver lasting benefits for people, place and environment.

The reservoir in the Fens

The distinctive ‘ammonite’ shape of the emerging design could create interest and become an attractive landmark. It’s a deliberately man-made approach, featuring in a landscape that has been shaped and altered by the people living and working here for generations. 

 

The approach is inspired by the area’s ancient history with ammonite fossils – small marine creatures – found in the earth below the site, dating from a time when it was under the North Sea. Emerging opportunities include places for recreation both on the water and land, with other areas focused on nature to create calm, quiet spaces. 

 

The emerging design features a lagoon in the north west of the reservoir where water levels would largely remain consistent. This could create an area where access to water is easier.

 

The use of excavated earth to create new landforms could provide a variety of different experiences for visitors. These could be open areas with long views across the Fenland landscape, places for play and exploring, shaded, sheltered areas, and places where people, nature and water all come together. 

 

We’ve included a variety of habitat ideas to encourage wildlife at this stage, with different wetland types both inside the reservoir and surrounding it. The details and extent of these would only be confirmed when we have carried out our environmental assessments.  

 

You can find out more about our proposals on the project website, here. 

The reservoir in Lincolnshire

The shape and layout of the emerging design have been influenced by the local landscape shape and character. It uses existing natural ridges with gently sloping embankments designed to integrate with the surrounding villages and farmland.  

 

Our ideas include places for recreation both on the water and land, with other areas focused on nature to create calm spaces. A visitor centre and recreation hubs are located in the south, with areas centred on nature and tranquillity to the north. The peninsula creates a link between these two areas.  

 

The emerging design features a lagoon in the south of the reservoir where water would always be kept at around the same level. This could create an area where consistent access to water is easier.

 

We have considered the potential for connections to the surrounding communities and around the reservoir itself with opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding connecting the different areas of the reservoir.

 

We’ve included a variety of habitat ideas to encourage wildlife, with different wetland types both inside the reservoir and surrounding it. This includes ideas to enhance the existing watercourses to support nature, create opportunities for recreation, and contribute to better flood management.

 

You can find out more about our proposals on the project website, here.

 

Our phase two consultations took place from 30 May until 9 August 2024.

 

We’ve received really valuable feedback from local people and stakeholders and want to thank everyone for taking part in the consultation.

 

Many people have been positive about our emerging designs and visions for the reservoirs, and the opportunities they could bring for people, nature and the environment.  It’s clear people want us to think carefully about effects on place and communities, roads and transport, agriculture and the local economy, and the natural environment. These are important issues for us too.

 

We do understand that our proposals will have an effect on homeowners, landowners and nearby communities. We’ll continue to engage closely with everyone as the project develops.

 

So everyone can see the key themes and issues from the consultations, we’ll prepare and publish summaries of the feedback later this year on the project websites.

What this means for you

 

It means you can trust that we are investing to protect the environment and improve your future water supply.

 

Apart from that, for the vast majority of customers, there is very little impact.

 

We understand the effect on those impacted, by our proposals including homeowners, landowners and the nearby community. We are committed to working with everyone as the two reservoir projects develop and want to hear all views on our emerging proposals.

 

We don't anticipate any immediate impact on bills. One of the reasons we start projects like this so far in advance, is to spread the cost over a long period of time, to reduce impact on customer bills. We believe water should be affordable for everyone and currently at around £430 a year, it is 10 times cheaper than energy bills, despite these massive investments into securing supplies for the future.