The need for sustainable water solutions in the East of England has led to the unveiling of designs for two new reservoirs.
- These reservoirs, located in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, address growing water supply challenges exacerbated by climate change and population growth.
- Projections indicate a potential future water shortage, making these reservoirs crucial for regional water security.
- The design of these projects incorporates both functionality and environmental considerations, aiming to enhance local ecosystems.
- A consultation process is underway to refine these plans through community feedback before final approval.
In response to mounting water supply challenges in the East of England, driven by both climate change and significant population growth, detailed designs for two substantial reservoirs have been presented. Anglian Water, in conjunction with Cambridge Water, has spearheaded this initiative, aiming to bolster the region’s water supply resilience.
Masterplanners Fereday Pollard Architects and LDA Design have emphasised the urgent need to prepare for a future where demand for water may surpass supply. The Met Office’s projections suggest that by the next decade, without intervention, the region could face severe shortages during hotter, drier summers and wetter winters.
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has underscored the importance of strategically planning for climate adaptation. They calculate a stark 4 billion litre per day gap in the UK’s water capacity by 2050 if current trends continue. The planned reservoirs are a critical part of the strategy to avert this scenario.
Estimated to cost £4.8 billion, these reservoirs will not only provide more secure water supply but also mitigate drought impacts by reducing water abstraction from vulnerable river systems and aquifers. This dual-benefit approach safeguards both the environment and human water needs.
The Fens reservoir, valued at £2.2 billion and located near Chatteris and March, is expected to hold 55 million cubic metres of water, potentially serving 250,000 homes annually. Its ammonite-inspired design, a nod to the region’s paleontological history, offers both aesthetic and practical benefits, including recreation and conservation opportunities.
Complementing this, a £2.6 billion reservoir situated near the communities of Helpringham, Scredington, and Swaton in Lincolnshire, is forecast to supply half a million homes yearly. It similarly holds 55 million cubic metres of water and integrates seamlessly into the local landscape, promoting biodiversity and public engagement with nature.
The consultation phase, which is an integral part of the project’s design process, allows stakeholders and local communities to provide feedback on the emerging designs. This collaborative approach ensures that the reservoirs will meet both ecological goals and community needs.
Charles Crawford, representing LDA Design, highlighted the potential for these projects to deliver substantial local and regional benefits, while also securing future water supplies. Clare Donnelly from Fereday Pollard echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of creating sustainable places that connect people with their environment.
Overall, these new reservoirs represent a significant step towards addressing water security challenges in the region.
