The event showcased reservoir schemes being developed by Thames Water and Anglian Water, as part of the ‘Strategic Resource Options’ programme, which is being overseen by RAPID (a regulatory alliance comprising Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate).
Attended by about 150 investors, construction groups, rating agencies and other interested stakeholders, the event heard from experts at RAPID, Ofwat, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Agilia Infrastructure and KPMG.
The industry day focused on a number of reservoir projects that are currently being considered: the Fens and Lincolnshire reservoir schemes under development by Anglian Water; plus Thames Water’s South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO).
SESRO is a proposed new 150 million cubic metres raw water storage reservoir near Abingdon, Oxfordshire being developed by Thames Water in partnership with Affinity Water and Southern Water.
Thames has proposed using a delivery model similar to that of the Thames Tideway Tunnel to deliver the SESRO project, which would require significant investment if it proceeds to construction.
The plan is for the reservoir to be of benefit to the local community other than providing water, by offering a range of leisure activities, including walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, and water sports.