Key Takeaways
- Thames Water has revised plans for a 150 billion-litre reservoir near Abingdon.
- The new blueprint aims to address local opposition and regulatory concerns.
- The reservoir, named White Horse, will cover an area of 6.7 square kilometers.
Thames Water has initiated a new public consultation on its revised plans for a massive reservoir, known as the White Horse project, near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. The utility company is seeking to reassure local communities and regulators that the project is viable and necessary.
The proposed reservoir, which is designed to hold 150 billion litres of water, is nearly the same size as Gatwick Airport, covering an area of 6.7 square kilometers (2.6 square miles). This significant expansion is part of Thames Water's efforts to secure a reliable water supply amid growing concerns over drought and water scarcity.
The utility company has acknowledged the need to address local opposition, which has raised concerns about the environmental impact and potential disruption to the local landscape. The revised plans are intended to mitigate these concerns and demonstrate the project's benefits more clearly.
Thames Water is now inviting public feedback through a new consultation process. The utility hopes that by engaging with the local community, it can build support for the project and secure the necessary regulatory approvals.
The revised plans include measures to reduce the visual impact of the reservoir, such as the use of vegetation and landscaping around the perimeter. Additionally, the company is exploring ways to minimize the disruption to local wildlife and habitats.
Despite the significant size of the project, Thames Water maintains that the reservoir is essential for meeting future water demands. The utility argues that the project will help to reduce reliance on groundwater and improve water security in the region.
Local residents and environmental groups have expressed mixed reactions to the revised plans. Some support the project as a necessary step to address water shortages, while others remain concerned about the potential environmental and social impacts.
The consultation period is expected to run for several weeks, allowing for extensive public input. Thames Water will carefully consider all feedback before finalizing the project plans and submitting them for regulatory approval.
