A public consultation has commenced on plans for a second Cheddar Reservoir designed to serve more than 100,000 residents in the West Country. The project includes the reservoir itself, around 76 kilometers of new pipeline, water treatment facilities, booster pumping stations, and service reservoirs.
Although planning permission for a second Cheddar Reservoir was granted in 2014, it has since expired. The proposals have been revised to comply with updated regional water requirements and environmental regulations. West Country Water and Environment (WCWE), a collaborative partnership comprising Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water, South West Water, Wessex Water, the Environment Agency, and other regulatory and environmental bodies, emphasizes the reservoir’s crucial role in securing the region’s water future and enhancing connectivity across water networks.
The reservoir will enable the transfer of millions of liters of water daily during peak demand periods, bolstering the region’s resilience against droughts and short-term supply disruptions. Facing the dual pressures of climate change and population growth, the Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer Project is vital for sustainable water management in the South West.
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WCWE explains that the reservoir will reduce dependence on natural water sources such as rivers and underground aquifers, thus protecting these ecosystems, especially during drought conditions. The new reservoir, located adjacent to the existing Cheddar Reservoir, will store excess water from the River Axe and Cheddar Yeo during wetter months.
Stored water will undergo initial treatment at the Axbridge Preliminary Treatment Works, then be stored in the reservoir before receiving further treatment at a new Water Treatment Works in Axbridge. The treated water will enter the drinking supply network and be transferred south into Wessex Water’s system in Somerset, facilitating onward distribution to South West Water’s network in Devon.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2030, with operations expected to commence by 2035.
This public consultation marks a key milestone toward WCWE’s goal of delivering a reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible water supply across the West Country. Steve Lanzon, Director of WCWE, highlights the project’s broader significance: “Beyond meeting future drinking water demands, this scheme supports our commitment to reduce abstraction from the Rivers Exe and Otter and critical underground aquifers. We are working collaboratively to develop an innovative and environmentally sensitive solution.”
Acknowledging that the full-scale reservoir will alter the landscape, WCWE pledges to design it with environmental and community benefits in mind. The initiative prioritizes cooperation and innovation, encouraging local communities, authorities, and businesses to participate actively in the consultation to influence the project’s development.
The consultation remains open for four weeks until October 1. Engagement opportunities include:
Multiple consultation events are scheduled regionally to provide information and gather public input. Details on event dates and locations are available on the WCWE website.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to securing sustainable water resources for the West Country well into the future.