The West Country Water and Environment regional group has launched its public consultation on a proposal for the Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer Project – the new reservoir and pipeline will play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and resilient water supply for over 100,000 people in the West Country.

It will be responsible for transferring millions of litres of water to customers each day during peak months – improving the region’s resilience against future uncertainties, from big drought events to small short-term supply issues.

The public consultation will gather the views on plans for a second Cheddar reservoir, approximately 76 kilometres of new pipeline and associated water treatment works, booster pumping stations and service reservoirs.

The second reservoir in Cheddar received planning permission in 2014, but the permission has since lapsed and the previous proposals needed to be reviewed to ensure they align with regional water requirements and with updated environmental legislation.

The project is being spearheaded by West Country Water and Environment, a collaborative group established in 2017, consisting of Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water, South West Water, Wessex Water and the Environment Agency along with associate members from regulatory bodies, environmental and conservation organisations.

Experts from the group say the second reservoir will play a critical role in securing water supply for the future and meeting future water needs in the region.

The project will help reduce the region’s reliance on natural water sources, including rivers and underground aquifers, bringing important environmental benefits by protecting these vital ecosystems, particularly during drought conditions.

The Cheddar 2 Reservoir, located alongside the existing Cheddar reservoir, will store surplus water from the River Axe and Cheddar Yeo during wetter months. Water will be treated at the Axbridge Preliminary Treatment Works, stored in the new reservoir, and undergo further treatment at a new Water Treatment Works in Axbridge before entering the drinking water supply network. From there, it will be transferred south into Wessex Water’s system in Somerset, enabling onward transfer to South West Water’s supply network in Devon.

Construction is proposed to start in 2030, and it is hoped that the project will be in operation by 2035.

Steve Lanzon, West Country Water and Environment Director, said:

“This project is crucial in ensuring we can meet drinking water demand in the future, but it goes further than that; we will also use this project to help wider water supplies across the South West of the country. The scheme supports our commitment to reduce taking water from the Rivers Exe and Otter and precious underground aquifers, and we are working collaboratively with our partners on this project to develop an innovative and environmentally responsible solution.

“We recognise that once operational, the new reservoir will permanently reshape the land, becoming a new visual feature and we’re committed to designing a second reservoir with environmental and community benefits at its heart.

“Our approach is rooted in collaboration and innovation. We want the local communities, local authorities and businesses to get involved in our public consultation and help inform how we deliver this vitally important resource for the future.”

The consultation is open for four weeks until 1 October 2025 and the team will be holding consultation events across the region throughout this period, starting on Friday 12 September.

https://www.westcountrywaterandenvironment.org/flagship-projects/cheddar-reservoir-sro

Click here to visit the project website for more information and for details of how to participate.