Home / Environment / Thames Water Glitch Extends Consultation on Mega-Reservoir
Thames Water Glitch Extends Consultation on Mega-Reservoir
15 Jan
Summary
- Public consultation deadline extended due to online form technical issue.
- Proposed reservoir near Abingdon would serve 15 million people.
- The project is estimated to cost up to £7.5bn and is large as Gatwick Airport.
The public consultation period for Thames Water's significant reservoir project near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has been extended. A technical issue encountered with the online submission form prevented some individuals from providing lengthy responses, prompting the water company to allow email submissions until January 23. This extension provides more opportunity for public input on the South East Strategic Reservoir Option.
The reservoir, designed to be filled during winter months with water drawn from the River Thames, is a substantial undertaking. It is projected to supply essential water resources to an estimated 15 million people. The project's scale is immense, with the proposed area being roughly the same size as Gatwick Airport.
This ambitious infrastructure plan carries a significant financial commitment, with estimated costs reaching up to £7.5 billion. The statutory public consultation, which officially commenced on October 28 and was initially set to conclude on January 13, has been prolonged to accommodate those affected by the technical difficulties, ensuring broader participation in the decision-making process.
