Cheddar 2 Reservoir Strategic Resource Option

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Who are West Country Water and Environment (WCWE)?

  West Country Water and Environment (WCWE) was formed in 2017, bringing together water companies such as Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water, South West Water, Wessex Water and the Environment Agency.

  WCWE’s mission is to ensure a coordinated approach to sustainable water resource management, by exploring water sharing opportunities and understanding regional water needs and impacts.

• Why are we low on water when we have so much rain in England?

  Although England receives a lot of rain, it is not evenly distributed throughout the year or across all locations, making it difficult to capture and store. Climate change is causing more intense storms and heavy rainfall but also hotter, drier summers. Sudden heavy rain often runs off quickly without soaking in to the ground or refilling reservoirs, and extended periods of hot dry weather and droughts increase evaporation and reduce river flows. We must also plan for a growing population that will increase the demand for water. We must also protect rivers and other water bodies from the impacts of flooding and droughts, enhance water quality, and reduce pollution. For these reasons, we need to find new water sources so that water is available when we need it.

  The Environment Agency (the body responsible for protecting and improving the environment) has highlighted that by 2050, we will need an extra 4.8 billion litres of water per day nationally to meet future demands and avoid shortages. The South West is expected to face one of the largest shortfalls, due to a combination of population growth, agricultural needs, and limited existing storage. The shortfall is projected to be up to 202 million litres of water per day by 2050. That’s why we’re investing in better water management, infrastructure, and conservation now. The Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer SRO is one of the projects that will help to relieve water stress and make sure there is a sustainable supply of water available for us and the environment long into the future.

• What is WCWE doing already to address this?

  The water companies that form the WCWE are addressing water supply shortfalls by maintaining and fixing their pipelines and encouraging customers to use water wisely. It is the aim to reduce leakage by 50% (from baseline leakage levels in 2018) and to reduce water consumption to 108 litres per person per day by 2050. To learn more about their plans for managing their water supplies, you can visit their websites and explore their Water Resource Management Plans, which detail how they plan to balance water supply and demand for the next 25 years.

  However, even with these efforts to reduce water consumption and fix leaks, a significant shortfall in the future water supply is still predicted.

   

• How does WCWE propose to address the shortfall?

  In the West Country, the projected shortfall of up to 202 million litres of water per day by 2050 means 1.87 million people could be without water. To address this shortfall, large-scale solutions that create new regional water resources are required. These solutions are known as Strategic Resource Options (SROs).

  In our region, we’re developing the Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer SRO, which was selected following an extensive options assessment due to its ability to provide a sustainable water source. A sustainable water source means managing water resources to balance availability, usage, and quality while protecting the environment. Sustainable water sources also consider future demands, so they are resilient to climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, and support the local economy and community as the population grows. By the mid 2030s, this project will deliver around 20 million litres of water per day, enough for over 100,000 people.

  In addition to this project, we are also developing other SROs to address the anticipated shortfall in water supply. Water recycling is an essential solution and so we are exploring the feasibility of using advanced technologies to purify used water as part of the Poole Water Recycling and Transfer project. In addition, our Mendip Quarries project is looking to see how we could repurpose former and now unused quarries to store water for dry periods.

• How does the project work?

  The project is a large-scale water supply project which will provide a new reservoir with approximately 8.2 billion litres of usable storage near the existing reservoir and village at Cheddar. The new reservoir will be filled with water taken from the Cheddar Yeo and the River Axe within the current licence agreement (conditions set by the Environment Agency which allows water to be taken from these rivers at certain times and in specific amounts, helping to balance supply needs with environmental protection). Water will be abstracted during wetter months, with the River Axe water being treated at the Axbridge Preliminary Treatment Works, and stored in the newly constructed reservoir, before undergoing further treatment at the new Water Treatment Works in Axbridge to meet drinking water standards. After treatment, the clean water will be transported via new pipelines to Bristol Water’s and Wessex Water’s supply systems, allowing water to be transferred from Maundown Water Treatment Works into South West Water's supply system.

  In addition to the new reservoir, the project will require the construction of new pipelines with a total length of approximately 76km. Some of these pipelines will be able to transfer water in both directions, to provide better connections across water company water supply areas, called water resource zones, and to take the new supply to where it is needed.

• How will the project help protect sensitive rivers?

  Rivers such as the Exe and Otter are ecologically sensitive and vulnerable to over-abstraction, which can damage habitats and reduce water quality. This project will reduce reliance on these rivers and regional aquifers, helping to protect their ecosystems and secure a more sustainable water supply for the future.

• Who is paying for the project?

  Like all our costs, funding for upgrades and maintenance on the water supply system is averaged across water supply customers’ bills across our region.

  The total cost of the project and any impact on future customer bills depends on the final design for the project, which is still being developed.

• How will the new reservoir help to provide resilience?

  The new reservoir will store surplus winter water from the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe. This stored water will help meet summer demand and reduce the risk of flooding downstream. This is a well-established water management approach that has been used successfully in the UK and abroad for many years.

  The reservoir will be non-impounding, which means it doesn’t block a river. Instead, it’s a large basin that is filled by nearby water sources during periods of high flow and used during dry spells.

• Have alternatives to a new reservoir been considered?

  Yes, we’ve studied a wide range of alternative options in South West Water’s 2024 Water Resources Management Plan. These were not progressed for various reasons, including their inability to meet long-term demand, cost-effectiveness, or longer delivery timelines. Water from the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe was deemed the most suitable and sustainable source. We believe this solution offers the best value for money and enables a regional solution that benefits all our water companies by improving flexibility and supply resilience.

• Have other locations been looked at for the siting of the reservoir?

  Yes, we’ve evaluated dozens of alternative sites.

  The final location was chosen based on the availability of land and suitable geological conditions to store a large volume of water. By locating the new reservoir next to the existing one, we can make use of shared infrastructure, including pipelines, treatment facilities, and access roads.

• How big is the new reservoir?

  The new reservoir will have approximately 8.2 billion litres of usable storage, equivalent to approximately 3,280 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The footprint of the reservoir embankment will cover approximately 100ha (1,000,000 square metres), equivalent to approximately 140 football pitches.

  * Please note that a flyer circulated as part of the consultation incorrectly referenced a project footprint of 8,000 square metres.

• What is the landscape design approach for the new reservoir?

  We see the new reservoir as an opportunity to enhance local wildlife habitats and create recreational and community amenities through thoughtful design and are seeking feedback through the consultation on elements which are considered important. We’ll develop a landscape strategy during the pre-application stage, which will guide the planning application and help ensure a well-integrated, multi-benefit design for the site.

• Will water stored in the Cheddar 2 reservoir be transferred directly to Devon via the new pipeline network?

  No, water stored in the Cheddar 2 reservoir will not be piped directly to Devon.

  Instead, it will be delivered into Wessex Water’s network in the Bridgwater area, displacing water currently provided by Maundown Water Treatment Works. Maundown can then supply other areas, including parts of Devon, through new infrastructure connections. This creates greater regional flexibility and resilience, supports major developments like Hinkley Point C (a large-scale nuclear power station, with high water demand), and helps us prepare for future droughts or system outages.

• How were the pipeline routes developed?

  Developing a project like this involves careful planning and extensive surveys to understand and account for various constraints. Extensive work has been undertaken and is ongoing to identify the best routes for these pipelines, following a four-stage process.

  1. Route optimisation – using software to avoid sensitive habitats, heritage assets, and infrastructure.
  2. Route assessment – analysing data to identify the best possible corridor for the pipeline.
  3. On-site walkover – our engineers, ecologists, and planners walk the route to confirm conditions and identify any additional issues.
  4. Constructability assessment – working with contractors to understand the practicalities of building the pipeline. 

  As we progress options through the four-stage process, the pipeline route evolves. Throughout the process, we ask our environmental stakeholders, landowners, landscape groups and the local planning authorities for feedback to inform the pipeline corridor. 

     

• Will I still get high quality drinking water?

  Yes, your drinking water will go through treatment to ensure it is of the highest quality. Water abstracted from the River Axe will be treated at a water treatment works before entering either of the reservoirs. When it leaves the reservoirs, the water will be treated again to drinking water standards at the water treatment works before entering the supply. 

  The UK is one of the best in the world for drinking water quality, as the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) ensures the safety of drinking water by setting high quality standards, monitoring water companies' compliance, and conducting inspections. They also review risk assessments and can enforce actions if standards are not met. Additionally, the DWI provides guidance to help water companies maintain high water quality.

• Will my water taste any different?

  Water differs on where it comes from in the country, whether it is surface water or from springs or boreholes; and in this case the underlying geology which it passes through influences its characteristics. These differences can lead to differing taste or odour and sometimes hardness of the water - however every supply irrespective of where it comes from is required to meet the same quality standards.

• How will construction impact the local community?

  If you live or work near the proposed reservoir, pipelines, or infrastructure, you may be affected by construction activities. We’re undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to understand the potential impacts on people, wildlife, water and air quality—and to develop ways to avoid, reduce, or mitigate those impacts. Mitigation may include rerouting pipelines, using quieter machinery, or restoring the landscape after work is complete.

  The outcomes of this assessment, including any mitigation measures, will be detailed in an Environmental Statement, which we will present at a later date once the assessment has concluded.

• How are we working with landowners?

  Some land acquisition is essential and unavoidable. We’ll need to use third-party land on both a temporary and permanent basis. We have engaged land agents from the company Fisher German to facilitate this process and ensure that landowners’ concerns are understood and addressed. Their expertise helps us navigate the complexities of land access and acquisition, providing a smooth and respectful process.  We will work with landowners on the design to minimise the amount of land required and the associated impact on landowner’s activities. We will be in contact with everyone directly affected to ensure that they are appropriately compensated for any loss of land or land rights.

• How will the project obtain planning permission?

  The project falls within the boundaries of Mid Devon District and Somerset Councils. These councils will review the planning application to ensure it complies with local planning policies and regulations. They will consider various factors, including potential effects on the community, environment, and local infrastructure. The councils will also carry out a formal consultation to gather feedback from the community and relevant stakeholders before deciding whether to grant planning permission.

• How is the project regulated?

  The Regulators' Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) regulates the project, and includes Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). The project follows the RAPID gated process, which was designed to support the funding of large water infrastructure projects that will benefit customers and the environment. We will provide updates on the project at each RAPID gate, at which point Ofwat reviews the updates and then decides whether to continue funding the project's development. This process ensures the project is monitored for progress, efficiency and value for money.

  Furthermore, the project has been developed in accordance with each water company's Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), which outlines the available water resources, future water demand, and strategies to meet that demand. Each WRMP is submitted to and approved by Ofwat.

   

• How can I be involved in the development of the project?

  We will hold a public consultation from 3 September to 1 October 2025, where you can learn about the project and share your feedback. A second public consultation will be held in 2026 as we progress with the design of the project.

  As part of this consultation, we’re holding five drop-in events where you can explore our consultation materials and meet and ask questions to members of our project team. The details of the drop-in events are as follows:

  • Friday 12 September, 4 to 8pm: North Petherton Community Centre, Fore Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6QA
  • Saturday 13 September, 12 to 4pm: Cheddar Village Hall, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RB
  • Tuesday 16 September, 4 to 8pm: Cross Memorial Hall, Webbington Road, Cross, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2EL
  • Friday 19 September, 4 to 8pm: Axbridge Town Hall, The Square, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AR
  • Saturday 20 September, 12 to 4pm: St Michael’s Community Hall, Barnhay, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 9NG

  Consultation materials will also be available at the following seven deposit locations, which are information hubs where you can view and take away hard copies of the consultation document:

  • Cheddar Library, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3NB
  • Axbridge Town Hall, The Square, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AR
  • Bridgwater Library, Binford Place, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3LF
  • North Petherton Library, Community Centre, Fore Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6QA
  • Thomas Poole Library, Castle Street, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1LN
  • Wiveliscombe Community Library, 9 The Square, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 2JT
  • Tiverton Library, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6SA

  The easiest way to respond to our public consultation is by completing our online feedback form.

  Paper copies of the feedback form will be available at our drop-in events and deposit locations. You can send paper copies of the feedback form or write to Freepost WCWE SRO CONSULTATION. You don’t need a stamp, just please make your handwriting as clear as possible. Feedback can be emailed to CheddarSRO@westcountrywaterandenvironment.org

  For any enquiries, call us on 0344 346 2020 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm).