Cheddar 2 SRO public consultation

Foreword from Steve Lanzon

As we face the dual challenges of climate change and a growing population, we must find new and sustainable ways to secure our water supply while protecting our environment. The Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer project is a testament to our commitment to these goals.

This project, spearheaded by West Country Water and Environment (WCWE), represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible water supply for the future. In the West Country, we have long relied on our natural water sources, including rivers and underground aquifers. However, with changing weather patterns and increasing demand, we must adapt and explore new methods to ensure water security. This project is designed to address these challenges head-on. It will store surplus water from the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe in a new reservoir. The stored water will then be treated to drinking water quality standards before entering the water supply network, providing a new sustainable source of water for the region

This project not only helps to secure our water supply but also brings substantial environmental benefits. By reducing our reliance on unsustainable river abstractions, we can improve river flows and protect vital ecosystems, particularly during drought conditions. Additionally, new environmental compensation areas delivered as part of this project will provide valuable habitats for local wildlife. Our approach is rooted in collaboration and innovation. We are working closely with other water companies, regulatory bodies, and local communities to ensure the success of this project.

By providing a vital new water source, supporting a balanced and sustainable water supply alongside ongoing efforts to reduce demand and fix leaks across the network, we are confident that the Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer project will set a new benchmark for sustainable water management. We invite you to join us on this journey. Your feedback and support are crucial as we strive to build a resilient and sustainable water supply network for the future. Together, we can ensure that our water resources are managed responsibly, safeguarding them for future generations.

Steve Lanzon, Programme Director, WCWE

Planning for the future

The West County region is proactively planning for the future to address significant water supply challenges posed by climate change and population growth. This project, led by WCWE, aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply while protecting the environment. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce leakage and improve water efficiency, new water sources are essential to meet future demands for water. This project will help mitigate anticipated shortfalls within our region and help to reduce abstraction from the Rivers Exe and Otter, securing water resources for generations to come.

Why we need the project

The West Country region faces significant water supply challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the need to protect vital water sources like the Rivers Exe and Otter from unsustainable abstraction. The project aims to address these challenges by providing a responsible approach to water abstractions, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply while protecting the environment.

Water companies must provide a safe and reliable water supply to their customers. However, the West Country region is experiencing increasing water scarcity due to the impacts of climate change and population growth. Hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters are becoming more common, exacerbating the seasonal disparity in water availability. This situation is further compounded by the projected population growth, expected to reach 70 million in the UK in 2026, with the South West experiencing above-average growth.

Due to climate change and increased protection status for chalk streams and other habitats, the current amount of abstraction from environmentally sensitive areas is to be reduced, driving the need to find alternative sources of supply as well as to meet rising demand. The Environment Agency projects a national water shortfall of about 4.8 billion litres per day in 2050 if no action is taken. 202 million litres of this shortfall per day would affect the South West; meaning 1.87 million people could be without water. To address this, water companies are taking measures to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency.

Despite these efforts, new sources of water are still needed to meet the anticipated shortfall. By the mid 2030s, this project will deliver around 20 million litres of water per day, during the drier six months of the year, enough for over 100,000 people. This new source of water will help resolve some of the anticipated shortfall and reduce abstraction from the Rivers Exe and Otter and aquifers across the region, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the future of the region.

Working together

Water companies have a responsibility to plan for the future. This involves identifying and implementing the most effective and sustainable solutions that balance the need for a reliable water supply with environmental protection. This process culminates in the creation of Water Resource Management Plans (WRMP).

As water companies in the West Country, we have developed WRMPs to balance water supply and demand over the next 25 years and beyond. These plans consider various factors, such as economic growth, population forecasts, and the impacts of climate change. The WRMP process evaluates multiple options: these are called “demand-side” interventions (eg, reducing leakage and improving water efficiency) and “supply-side” solutions (eg, new reservoirs, desalination, and water recycling)

The WRMP process begins with an initial assessment of the region’s water needs and potential solutions. We gather data on current and future water availability, demand, and environmental considerations. Various options are appraised based on criteria such as environmental impact, cost, feasibility, and resilience.

Abstraction licences are legal permits that allow holders to take an agreed upon amount of water from the environment, such as from rivers and streams. We identified the surplus available supply in our existing Cheddar Yeo and the River Axe abstraction licences as a promising water resource solution due to its ability to provide a sustainable water supply. A new reservoir is the best way to make use of these available supplies.

Engaging with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, environmental groups, and local communities, is crucial to our WRMP process. Feedback from these stakeholders helps refine the options and ensure that the selected solutions align with broader environmental and community goals.

Some WRMP options fall into the category of what are termed “Strategic Resource Options” (SROs). These are large-scale solutions that generate new water resources and enable regional use. These options are assessed for their potential benefits and adverse impacts. This project emerged as a viable SRO due to its ability to provide a sustainable water source for the region while protecting the environment.

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. Collectively, these SROs aim to address a significant portion of the projected shortfall of up to 202 million litres per day in the South West by 2050. Through the WCWE partnership, we are making a strategic and collaborative effort to address our region’s pressing water supply challenges.

Our Draft Regional Plan, published in January 2023, sets out the long-term water needs for the West Country up to 2050 and explores options to respond to those needs. The Regional Plan is a strategic framework that outlines regional priorities and actions for water resource management, complementing individual WRMPs by providing a broader regional context. It was developed with the water companies, and in consultation with the Environment Agency, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water resource management. The plan highlights the importance of moving towards a higher level of drought resilience, plus the need to consider the impacts of climate change and future demand.

Progress to date

RAPID, the Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development is a partnership formed by three water regulators: Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate*. RAPID was designed to provide a regulatory framework to enable the accelerated development of new water resources that are safe and sustainable for communities and the environment and provide value for customers. This is called the “RAPID gated process”. This process consists of four “gates”, each serving as a critical checkpoint to independently assess the progress and viability of proposed projects. Our Cheddar 2 Reservoir and Transfer Project is following this gated process.

*In line with the Government’s announcement following the publication of Sir Jon Cunliffe’s review of the water industry in July 2025, we will continue to work with Ofwat, Environment Agency, Natural England and Drinking Water Inspectorate until the transition to the new regulator is in place.

At Gate One, the focus was on demonstrating the project’s progress and viability through early conceptual designs and delivery plans. Gate Two involved a detailed examination to ensure alignment with water resources planning, refining designs, and preparing for planning and environmental consents. The project successfully passed both gates, securing continued funding and marking significant milestones in its development.

Currently, the project is advancing towards Gate Three. This stage is crucial as it prepares for the planning application submission under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA). The focus is on ensuring that all necessary groundwork for environmental and regulatory permits is completed, preparing the project for the final stages of development. As part of this stage, various surveys are being conducted to gather essential data on the local environment. These surveys amongst others, include assessments of water quality, biodiversity, and how to manage any potential impacts on local ecosystems.

The data collected will inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, ensuring that all potential environmental impacts are thoroughly evaluated and mitigated. We are currently undertaking Scoping: a critical component of the EIA process. It involves identifying the key potential environmental issues and, where possible, mitigation measures, along with setting out the potential impacts that need to be addressed within the EIA. This scoping exercise helps to focus the assessment on the most significant issues, ensuring that the EIA is comprehensive and effective. The EIA process is vital as it systematically evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the project, whilst also considering social and economic factors where relevant. It provides decision-makers with the information needed to make informed choices and promotes sustainable development by identifying appropriate mitigation measures for potential environmental impacts

The project

Our vision for the project is to create a sustainable and resilient water supply system that meets the needs of our growing population while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The project is vital in ensuring that water resources are managed responsibly, safeguarding them for future generations and providing a reliable water supply that supports both our communities and the environment.

The project provides a new water source giving a more resilient and flexible water resource for the region. The additional regional connectivity provided by the project gives wider benefits and allows for future water movement should the need arise. The project will deliver water via a new pipeline into Wessex Water’s supply system in the Bridgwater area. This transfer will displace water that is currently provided locally by Maundown Water Treatment Works, near Wiveliscombe, and means that Maundown can instead transfer water to the Pitt Water Service Reservoir, near Tiverton, and into South West Water’s supply system using new infrastructure connections. The new connections will provide additional benefit by providing an alternative source of water to increase connectivity in the region, as well as support the nationally significant infrastructure developments such as Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station. This improved connectivity enables us to move water around the region to where it is needed, which increases resilience to drought events, increases supply system resilience to short term outages, and also improves our ability to adapt to future uncertainties.

About the project

The project is a large-scale water supply scheme that will create a new reservoir with approximately 8.2 billion litres of usable storage near the existing reservoir and village of Cheddar. The new reservoir will be filled with water sourced from the Cheddar Yeo [1] and the River Axe [2] within the current licence agreement. Water will be abstracted during wetter months, with the River Axe water being treated at the Axbridge Preliminary Treatment Works [3], and stored in the newly constructed reservoir [4], before undergoing further treatment at the new Water Treatment Works in Axbridge [5] to meet drinking water standards. After treatment, the clean water will be transported via new pipelines into Wessex Water’s supply system, allowing water to be transferred from Maundown Water Treatment Works into South West Water’s supply system [6].

Glossary

ABSTRACT - water, taken from natural sources, like rivers or underground aquifers, is treated before being put into the main water supply.

WATER TREATMENT WORKS - the abstracted water is treated at this facility to make it safe for drinking and other uses. This involves removing contaminants and ensuring the water meets drinking water standards.

WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR - a secure, covered storage facility that holds treated drinking water before it is distributed to homes, businesses, and other users. It acts as a buffer in the
water supply system, helping to maintain consistent pressure and ensure a reliable supply, especially during periods of high demand or maintenance.

BOOSTER PUMPING STATION - a facility that helps move water through pipelines by increasing the pressure in the system. It is especially important when water needs to travel long distances, uphill, or through areas where natural pressure isn’t strong enough to maintain flow.

BREAK PRESSURE TANK - a structure used in water supply systems to manage and reduce water pressure in long or steep pipeline routes.

PROPOSED PROJECT BOUNDARY - identifies the land likely needed for the Project’s construction and operation, including the reservoir, Water Treatment Works, and pipelines. Importantly, the pipeline boundary represents a potential corridor, though the full extend will not be used. Some land within the boundary will be used for landscaping, biodiversity, and environmental mitigation, meaning not all land is directly used for infrastructure.

Constraints map key:

Ground conditions: areas of geological or hydrogeological significance, eg, peaty soils, areas with important underground minerals and sensitive groundwater zones

Heritage designations: areas containing historical or cultural sites that need protection, eg,

Scheduled Monuments Trees: which are protected due to their environmental, historical, aesthetic or cultural value, eg, ancient woodlands and protected trees

Environmental designations: areas recognised for their environmental importance such nature reserves or protected habitats

Ecology: zones identified for their ecological significance including habitats for protected  species, eg, bats and water vole

Built-up areas: densely populated areas including residential, commercial and  industrial buildings

Community assets: places primarily used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the community such as playing fields, cemeteries

The new reservoir

The new reservoir will store surplus winter water from the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe, helping to meet summer demand and reduce downstream flood risk. This is a widely used water management approach that has been successfully implemented both in the UK and internationally for many years. It will be a non-impounding reservoir, meaning that it does not hold back a river within a valley, but is a large basin, filled by nearby water sources during high-flow periods and used during dry spells.

The new reservoir will displace some floodplain, therefore necessitating the need for floodplain compensation to ensure that the flooding risk in this area is not increased.

The proposed new reservoir site is currently used for agriculture, mainly pasture. The landscape features well-defined field boundaries with hedgerows, drainage channels, and mature trees. It lies on relatively flat ground, contrasting with the dramatic Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge to the north and east, and Nyland Hill to the south. The existing Cheddar Reservoir is a prominent local landmark and popular recreational spot.

The project offers a unique opportunity to enhance the local landscape and community through a carefully designed, multi-benefit approach. A landscape strategy will be developed and refined during the pre-application stage, then submitted with the planning application to ensure a well-integrated and comprehensive design for the new reservoir. The strategy serves as a guiding framework for the overall design approach, shaping the vision for the new spaces and places.

Environmental and community benefits are central to the design. The site aims to support biodiversity, offer recreational and educational opportunities, and enhance local amenities. Surveys are ongoing to assess impacts on local habitats, including several protected sites nearby.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation means making sure that any new development leaves nature in a better state than it was before, and biodiversity enhancements will be included in the project to achieve this. The new reservoir itself will provide new habitat for waterfowl. The new reservoir will result in the loss of some bat foraging habitat for rare Horseshoe bats associated with Cheddar Caves, and we will be providing suitable habitat mitigation.

Once operational, the new reservoir will permanently reshape the land, becoming a new visual feature.

We are reviewing temporary and permanent access options for the new reservoir from the A371 in the north, Middle Moor Lane and the Lower New Road in the south.

Construction will bring increased traffic and temporary disruptions, which will be carefully managed. All aspects, from environmental impact to public safety, are being carefully considered in the design process.

Treatment upgrade for Cheddar

Currently, there is an existing Preliminary Treatment Works located within Cheddar Village and a Water Treatment Works at Axbridge, which provides pre-treatment to River Axe water (pre-treatment is needed as there would be excessive algae development if the water was put straight into the new reservoir from the river). However, a new Water Treatment Works is required to support the new reservoir and provide backup treatment capacity for the existing reservoir.

Water Treatment Works

Once water leaves the new reservoir, it must be treated to meet stringent drinking water standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) before being supplied to customers. This treatment process involves removing contaminants and ensuring the water is safe
and clean for consumption. The process involves:

WATER COLLECTION: Water is taken from the reservoir and sent to the treatment works. Large objects like leaves and twigs are removed using metal screens at the outlet of the reservoir.

OZONATION: A small dose of ozone is introduced to the water to help remove taste and odour compounds and improve the effectiveness of downstream processes.

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION: Coagulation chemicals are added to the water to help suspended particles and algae stick together and form larger clumps (called “floc”).

CLARIFICATION: Tiny air bubbles are added that attach to the floc and float them to the  surface for removal.

FILTRATION: Remaining particles are removed by passing the water through a bed of  granular media - typically sand and anthracite.

GAC: Granular Activated Carbon absorbers remove organic contaminants, including pesticides and taste and odour compounds, by adsorbing them onto their highly porous surface.

ULTRAVIOLET: Used to disinfect the water and eradicate even the smallest viruses, pathogen and bacteria.

DISINFECTION: A small amount of chlorine is added to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses and provide a chlorine residual to ensure the water remains pure as it moves through the distribution system.

STORAGE AND SUPPLY: The clean water is stored in tanks and then pumped to the pipeline or to the local network.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT: During the water treatment process, some waste water and solids are produced. The water will be treated on site, and either re-used within the process or returned to the environment. The leftover solids will be dried to reduce their volume and taken away for off-site disposal.

Design and infrastructure

The new Water Treatment facility will include:

• Main treatment buildings
• sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage surface water
• Landscaping and visual screening
• Lighting and security features, including fencing
• Internal access roads, car parking and other supporting infrastructure

The design will be as sensitive to the local environment as possible, with structures positioned to be concealed by existing landscaping and reservoir embankments, minimising visual impact where appropriate, and reducing the potential for light pollution. Landscape screening will also be considered where suitable.

We may need to reroute a small section of a public right of way, but we are actively exploring alternative routes to ensure continued public access.

We are carefully considering the impact of construction and traffic on Cheddar residents. We are exploring the option of temporary construction access off the A371, aiming to avoid routing construction traffic through Cheddar Village if at all possible.

The pipelines

The project will require the construction of new pipelines with a total length of approximately 76km. These pipelines will deliver drinking water from the new reservoir to locations in the regional water supply network where it is needed the most. The pipelines (named P1 to P4) are likely to be made of a 500 to 710 mm diameter pipe, chosen for durability and the ability to handle large volumes of water and changes in topography.

The pipeline corridor

The constraints outlined in the constraints map key (page 15) highlight the complexity of the landscape through which the pipeline is threaded. We are continuing to build up this picture through detailed surveys and landowner discussions to better understand these constraints. As further studies are completed and the project is developed, the corridor will narrow, and a preferred pipeline alignment will be identified. For the purpose of this consultation, the pipelines can be considered to be located anywhere within the proposed project boundary shown in red on the maps on pages 25-28.

Pipeline 1

Pipeline 1 will carry treated water from the new Axbridge Water Treatment Works to a new Service Reservoir near North Petherton over an approximate 35km distance. The route will use a mix of traditional open-cut installation and trenchless techniques to cross sensitive areas such as main rivers, major roads, railways, and the M5 motorway.

A new Booster Pumping Station will be built within the new Axbridge Water Treatment Works site to help move water along the route. Midway, near Woolavington (about 20km from Cheddar), a Break Pressure Tank and additional Booster Pumping Station will help manage flow and pressure. From there, the pipeline continues south, crossing the Bristol to Taunton Railway, the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, and the M5 motorway.

At the southern end, the new Water Service Reservoir will be constructed next to the existing Dancing Hill reservoirs. Positioned at a higher elevation, this will allow water to flow by gravity into the existing system. The route has been carefully planned to avoid sensitive areas such as settlements, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Ancient Woodlands. However, it does pass through flood zones and low-lying areas, as there is a need to cross the Somerset Levels.

Several large drainage channels known as Rhynes, managed by the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium, also lie along the route. Where possible, the pipeline has been routed to minimise crossings, and trenchless methods will be used for complex crossings. Discussions with the Drainage Board are ongoing to agree on suitable construction methods.

Environmental and engineering assessments are ongoing to refine the route and minimise impacts, particularly in areas with peat soils and flood risk, and where landowner and consultation feedback is still to be received.

Key crossing: Bristol to Taunton Railway, Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, M5

Constraints: 

• Ground conditions
• Heritage designations
• Trees
• Environmental designations
• Ecology
• Built-up areas
• Community assets

* Constraints icons are indicatively placed

Pipeline 2

Pipeline 2 will begin at Danesborough Water Service Reservoir, where a new Booster Pumping Station will be built adjacent to the existing reservoir on land already owned by Wessex Water to help transfer water to the existing Farringdon Water Service Reservoir, around 9km to the  north west. The route will use a mix of traditional open-cut installation and trenchless techniques (such as horizontal directional drilling) to cross sensitive areas such as  some watercourse crossings and potentially the A39. It may be necessary to temporarily close some minor local roads along the route for short periods to allow for the construction of the pipeline or implement traffic management.

This new Booster Pumping Station will lift up to 20 million litres of water per day during peak demand.

The route for Pipeline 2 has been carefully planned to avoid sensitive areas like settlements. However, due to the geography between Danesborough and Farringdon Water Service Reservoirs, it will need to cross some flood zones. These and other environmental factors are being considered in the ongoing design and route appraisal.

Key crossing: A39

Constraints:

• Ground conditions
• Heritage designations
• Trees
• Environmental designations
• Built-up areas

* Constraints icons are indicatively placed

Pipeline 3

Pipeline 3 will connect Farringdon Water Service Reservoir to the existing Wessex Water network near West Quantoxhead. The route is 10km long and will use a mix of traditional open-cut installation and trenchless techniques (such as horizontal directional drilling) to cross sensitive areas such as existing utilities, some roads and watercourses and some areas of hedgerows. The crossing of Farringdon Hill Lane, Water Lane, Kilton Road, Lower Hill, Sea Lane, Frog Street, Higher  street may require either a road closure or traffic management.

The route begins at  Farringdon Water Service Reservoir, where a new Booster Pumping Station is proposed on nearby Wessex Water-owned land. Water will be transferred to a Break Pressure Tank and Booster Pumping Station at Moorhouse Water Service Reservoir, around 6km away, helping manage pressure along the route.

From Moorhouse Water Service Reservoir, the pipeline continues to West Quantoxhead, where it connects with the existing network to allow water to be transferred back to the existing Water Service Reservoir at Willett, should this be needed. A new Booster Pumping Station will be constructed at Willett Water Service Reservoir to facilitate the transfer of water to Maundown.

The route has been carefully planned to avoid sensitive areas such as a potential archaeological site near Stogursey Brook. However, due to the geography, it must cross some flood zones and around 3.5km will pass through the Quantock Hills National Landscape. These crossings have been minimised as far as possible using route optimisation tools. By maximising the use of existing infrastructure it has been possible to pass through a number of very sensitive areas without having to disturb the existing landscape.

Key crossing: Quantock Hills National Landscape

Constraints:

• Ground conditions
• Heritage designations
• Trees
• Environmental designations
• Built-up areas

* Constraints icons are indicatively placed

Pipeline 4

Pipeline 4 connects Maundown Water Treatment Works to the Pitt Water Service Reservoir via a new Water Service Reservoir. A new Booster Pumping Station nearby will provide the option to move water up a new Water Service Reservoir near Upton.

The 22km long route has been designed to take advantage of a high point in the landscape, allowing for water to flow using gravity. Due to the large ground level difference between the new Upton Water Service Reservoir and Pitt Water Service Reservoir, there are opportunities to harness this energy with a hydro turbine at the new Pitt Water Service Reservoir site. Options will be considered at the next stage of the design.

The pipeline’s route has been carefully planned to balance engineering needs with environmental and other considerations. The pipeline will pass through a mix of rural landscapes, including farmland, woodland, and small settlements. The design team has worked to avoid sensitive areas and features. In places where they cannot be avoided, trenchless construction methods (such as horizontal directional drilling) will be used to minimise disruption and environmental effects.

Constraints:

• Ground conditions
• Heritage designations
• Trees
• Environmental designations
• Built-up areas
• Community assets

* Constraints icons are indicatively placed

Installing a pipeline - open cut

The majority of the pipeline will be installed using traditional “open-cut” methods. Opencut, or trenched, pipeline installation is the most common method for laying pipelines. The process begins with excavating a trench along the planned pipeline route at a depth that ensures the pipe is well-protected and stable. After the pipe is laid, the trench is filled in with the material that was dug out. The topsoil or tarmac is replaced, and the area is restored to its original condition, minimising the impact on the landscape. During construction, a working area is established around the trench to provide space for laying the pipe, accessing the site, and storing equipment and materials.

Installing a pipeline - trenchless

Trenchless pipeline installation is a method of laying pipelines without extensive digging. This technique is particularly useful where traditional open-cut methods are not feasible or would cause significant disruption. For the project, we are exploring trenchless methods at key crossings to minimise disruption where possible. The proposed method for these sections has not yet been confirmed but one option we are considering is Horizontal Directional Drilling. This method is chosen when open-cut trenching is not possible or unfavourable; for example if there is a busy road junction or river to cross. This technique does not require surface work along the pipeline route but does need larger construction areas at the entry and exit points where the drill is installed. Space is also needed to lay out the pipe sections, which are welded and prepared before being pulled through the trenchless section as one continuous pipe.

Environmental considerations

As the project progresses, we’re assessing how it may affect the environment. Early surveys and design work are helping us understand and reduce potential adverse effects. The planning application will address these in more detail.

Mitigation measures

Mitigation measures are categorised into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary mitigation involves designing the project to avoid impacts from the outset, eg, selecting the pipeline route to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

Secondary mitigation includes measures to reduce impacts during the project’s implementation; for instance, installing barriers during construction to reduce noise pollution.

Tertiary mitigation mitigation involves actions to remedy any residual impacts after the project is completed. An example of tertiary mitigation is the restoration or creation of habitats to improve biodiversity.

At this stage, primary mitigation is still possible, which is why local knowledge gained from the consultation is so important. Your input can help us identify potential issues early and design solutions that minimise environmental impacts.

Next steps

This section will provide a brief overview of the key steps involved in developing the project.

To date, we have conducted studies to understand the environment in which the new reservoir will be located and the pipeline will travel through. This has helped support the development of the design, and determine an appropriate pipeline route. The next stage is to undertake further detailed studies and landowner engagement to develop the project to a level of design suitable for a planning application. We will proceed with the Town and Country Planning process (TCPA) to obtain necessary permissions, including undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate potential environmental effects. We are also undertaking this consultation and will get further feedback on the proposals as the project develops.

The permissions required for the project

Planning application

After conducting initial feasibility studies and identifying the potential development area, we are now moving to the next stage: gathering detailed information to support a hybrid planning application under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This approach will incorporate a detailed application for the new reservoir and flood compensation area, with other works in outline, allowing flexibility for further details to be developed and refined within agreed parameters, such as for the visitor centre. This strikes a balance between providing enough information to assess significant impacts and allowing flexibility for necessary adjustments as the project progresses. This adaptable planning strategy helps us refine the design as we progress, incorporating stakeholder feedback and environmental assessment findings.

Environmental Impact Assessment

An essential part of the planning process is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is ongoing and continues to inform the scheme parameters and the design. The EIA will be documented in the planning application as the Environment Statement. The first step of the EIA process is Scoping, where we outline the key environmental issues that need to be studied as part of the main assessment, and the local planning authorities confirm this by issuing their “Scoping Opinion”. This stage is currently in progress and will help us focus our efforts on the most critical areas. The EIA itself involves detailed studies and assessments to understand the potential impacts on the environment, such as effects on the local population, local wildlife, water quality, and air quality, and how we negate, minimise, or mitigate any negative impacts.

Timeline to delivery

Consultation

Consultation is a crucial part of the planning process. It involves obtaining feedback from the community and stakeholders to understand their thoughts and ideas. At this stage of the development, we plan to hold one round of consultation, during which we will present the need for the project, how the project is being and will continue to be developed and gather feedback on our proposals. Once the EIA work has progressed and the location of infrastructure, pipeline route, new reservoir landscape design, floodplain compensation areas and other aspects are better understood, we will hold another round of consultation. At that stage, we will present more detailed information. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the project is developed in a way that keeps considering the needs and concerns of the community, whilst still achieving the objectives of the project in securing water supplies.

Construction

If planning permission is granted and other necessary licences are obtained, construction can then commence. It is important to note that preparing for construction is complex and requires further work, and therefore, it could be approximately two years after planning permission is granted before any planning conditions are discharged and construction starts. Construction involves building the new reservoir, the physical installation of the pipelines, a treatment building at Axbridge Water Treatment Works, a visitor centre, the creation of a flood compensation area(s), biodiversity enhancement, and other associated infrastructure. Some of these elements need to be delivered before others can start, for example, habitat and biodiversity enhancements need to be in place before any building work. Construction activities will be carefully managed to minimise disruption to the community and the environment. We will work closely with the Highways Authority to determine the best approach to managing traffic and ensuring safety during this construction. More information will be provided at the next round of consultation.

Commissioning:

After construction is completed, the new water infrastructure will undergo a commissioning phase. This involves final testing and adjustments to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and ready to go.

Timeline:

• 2026: Further public consultation
• 2026: Environmental impact assessment concluded and environmental statement submitted
• 2026: Compaction trials for reservoir embankments
• 2026 to 2028: Ground and archaeology investigations
• 2027: Planning application submitted
• 2027 to 2029: Further design and assessments
• 2028 to 2030: Enabling works, including further surveys and preparatory works
• 2030 to 2034: Construction works
• 2034 to 2035: Commissioning and testing
• 2035: Water available for supply

*Dates are provisional and may be subject to change as the project develops

Maintaining our water quality standards

In the UK, water quality is strictly regulated by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, which set stringent standards for drinking water quality. These regulations ensure that all water supplied to the public meets high safety and quality standards. We are committed to maintaining the excellent drinking water quality that customers already receive.

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.

We have been working with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI -Defra), the independent quality regulator that audits companies across England and Wales and ensures compliance with strict legal Drinking Water Quality standards, to ensure that any changes due to differing natural characteristics of the water are understood.

Water differs depending on where it comes from in the country, whether from rivers, springs, or boreholes; the underlying geology 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. These standards ensure that the supply is continuous, safe, and clean.

To maintain these standards, the water industry uses a Drinking Water Safety Plan approach, a philosophy introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this approach, we consider water supplies and drinking water quality all along the journey from catchment sources right through to customer taps.

This approach forms a key part of our process for the project.

Have your say

We encourage you to attend our consultation events, engage with us, and share
your thoughts. Consultation is a vital part of our process, helping us gather diverse
perspectives and make informed decisions. We look forward to your participation
and feedback.

Sharing your views

Our consultation will run from Wednesday 3 September to Wednesday 1 October 2025. This is your chance to learn about what the project means for you and your area and to share your views with us. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of this project.

The easiest way to provide your feedback is by completing the online feedback form.

You can also attend our events and view hard copies of our materials.

Drop-in events

We are hosting five drop-in events to try and make it convenient for people to participate.

These events will be held in locations close to the project. At these sessions, you can view detailed information about the project, see visual displays, and meet members of our team who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Dates, times and locations

• Friday 12 September, 4pm to 8pm: North Petherton Community Centre, Fore St, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6QA
• Saturday 13 September, 12pm to 4pm: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RB
• Tuesday 14 September, 4pm to 8pm: Cross Memorial Hall, Webbington Road, Cross, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2EL
• Friday 19 September, 4pm to 8pm: Axbridge Town Hall, The Square, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AR
• Saturday 20 September, 12pm to 4pm: St Michael’s Community Hall, Barnhay, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 9NB

Deposit locations

We also have seven deposit locations which are information hubs where hard copies of the booklet and response forms will be available to view and take away.

Location details*

• 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

*Please checking opening hours