South West Water is advancing plans for a new reservoir in Cheddar, aiming to enhance water resilience in the region six years after initial plans were halted.
- The project was initially suggested in 2007 and survey work began in 2012 but was shelved in 2018.
- In 2023, South West Water’s merger with Bristol Water reignited the plans under the AMP8 investment programme.
- The Cheddar 2 reservoir will include new treatment works and connections, expecting completion by 2032-33.
- Surveys to design the reservoir’s specifications are currently in progress.
South West Water has committed to reviving the Cheddar 2 reservoir project, which aims to fortify the water supply within the Bristol region. This development comes after a six-year hiatus following the abandonment of the project initially conceived in 2007. Survey work had started in 2012 before the plans were unexpectedly shelved in 2018. The revival of the Cheddar 2 project represents a significant step towards ensuring long-term water security.
In February 2023, South West Water merged with Bristol Water, integrating all assets and responsibilities. This merger facilitated the incorporation of the Cheddar 2 project into South West Water’s AMP8 investment strategy, which allocates £2.8 billion for improvements between 2025 and 2030. The renewed focus on Cheddar 2 is a substantial move within this plan, highlighting its importance in the regional water resilience strategy.
Although specific dimensions have not been divulged for the new reservoir, it is envisaged to mirror the size of the existing Cheddar reservoir, holding approximately 6 million cubic metres of water. The Cheddar 2 project includes plans for advanced treatment works and a connection to Bickham Moore, and is projected to be operational by 2032-33.
Preliminary surveys are currently underway to inform the design and execution of the Cheddar 2 reservoir. These investigations will be crucial in determining the final characteristics of the reservoir and ensuring that it meets the necessary standards of efficiency and sustainability.
Additionally, the AMP8 programme encompasses various infrastructure enhancements beyond the Cheddar 2 project. Upgrades in Devon and Cornwall include improvements to 10 water treatment works and the replacement of 88km of cast iron mains. Meanwhile, Bristol is set to receive two major treatment works upgrades along with a 34km replacement of cast iron pipes, and Bournemouth is slated for state-of-the-art treatment works upgrades and a new water reuse plant in Poole.
The revival of the Cheddar 2 reservoir indicates a forward-looking approach to water management in the region.
