UK Embarks on First Major Reservoir Construction in 30 Years to Secure Water Supply and Unlock Housing Growth
The UK government is initiating its first major reservoir construction in over 30 years to address growing water scarcity and support the delivery of 1.5 million new homes under its Plan for Change. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has fast-tracked two key reservoir projects in East Anglia and Lincolnshire by designating them as nationally significant infrastructure, elevating planning decisions to the Secretary of State level to accelerate approval.
These reservoirs will supply clean water to over 750,000 homes in some of England’s most water-stressed regions, where rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change threaten future water security. The Lincolnshire Reservoir aims to provide 166 million litres of water daily for 500,000 homes by 2040, while the Fens Reservoir will supply 87 million litres daily to 250,000 homes by 2036.
Water companies have committed to delivering nine new reservoirs nationwide by 2050, potentially increasing water supply by 670 million litres per day. This infrastructure expansion is critical to unlocking stalled housing developments, particularly in areas like Cambridge and North Sussex, and to mitigating drought risks heightened by recent dry weather conditions.
The government’s push aligns with regulatory investment plans and emphasizes cutting red tape to ensure timely project delivery. The reservoir programme is a cornerstone of a broader infrastructure initiative designed to support economic growth, improve resilience to climate challenges, and secure the UK’s water future.
