Anglian Water has announced that a proposed new reservoir in Lincolnshire is taking a key step forward as plans for the next public consultation have been announced for October.
The Lincolnshire reservoir is part of Anglian Water’s programme of new interconnected infrastructure to secure future water supplies in the region. The programme includes a proposed new reservoir in the Fens and a 580km water grid, known as Anglian’s Strategic Pipelines, which will enable the company to move water more flexibly across the region, improve drought resilience and protect sensitive ecosystems.
The reservoir is just one part of Anglian Water’s wider work to secure future water supplies. Across the region, it is also progressing another major reservoir development in the Cambridgeshire Fens along with various water transfer, desalination, and advance water recycling projects to build a stronger, more secure network.
Advanced Water Recycling is a source of water that is independent of rainfall, and desalination, which can create drinking water from seawater, provides a source that does not depend on rivers, groundwater or rainfall.
The proposed reservoir in Lincolnshire is planned to provide enough water for up to half a million homes and also presents significant social, economic, and environmental opportunities for communities and the whole of the East of England. It could open up new spaces for recreation, support jobs and local investment, and deliver environmental enhancements that benefit the area for years to come.
Sian Thomas, Director of Strategic Asset Management at Anglian Water, said:
“This summer has been a clear reminder of the pressures extreme weather can place on our water supplies.
“Lincolnshire, like all parts of our region, needs secure water supplies to meet growth plans and to support important industries like farming and food production.
“The new reservoir is a crucial investment we need to help support our long-term goal of ensuring the East of England is resilient to the risks of drought.
“We’re investing now so homes, communities and business have the water they need for generations to come.”
Launching on 21 October and running for eight weeks, the consultation will share new information on crucial parts of the project – road and rail options, how the reservoir could be built, new water sources infrastructure, power and renewable energy.
Feedback from this phase will help unlock key decisions and inform the next stage of design. The consultation will give local people and stakeholders another opportunity to have their say and help shape one of the region’s most significant new water infrastructure projects.
Mark Malcolm, Reservoir Programme Director at Anglian Water, said:
“We’re looking forward to speaking with local people throughout this consultation and continuing the conversation as the project develops. Their feedback has been vital in shaping our proposals so far and will be just as important as we take the next step in planning for the region’s long-term water needs.”
Water Minister, Emma Hardy MP, said:
"Water resilience is one of this government's top priorities, and the Lincolnshire Reservoir is an important part of our national programme to deliver nine new reservoirs and secure the water supplies this country needs for the future.
“This scheme will make a significant contribution to water security in one of England's most water-stressed regions, particularly as we continue to see the impacts of drought across the country.
"I'd encourage local people and businesses to get involved in this next stage of consultation and help shape a project that matters for the region's long-term resilience."
Nikki Patterson, Regional Director of CBI Midlands, commented:
“Reliable water infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth, business investment and the long-term resilience of communities. Anglian Water’s proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir is an important part of ensuring the region has the water capacity it needs to support new homes, businesses and jobs, while strengthening resilience to drought and a changing climate. Major projects like this also underline why the UK needs a planning and regulatory system that enables essential infrastructure to be delivered at pace and provides the long-term certainty needed to attract investment. We welcome Anglian Water’s consultation and the opportunity for businesses and communities to help shape this important investment in the region’s future.”
Click here for more information about the consultation
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