Thames Water is inviting its customers, communities and stakeholders to find out more and discuss plans to protect future water resources across Oxfordshire and the south east.

The company’s plans include a new 150 Mm3 reservoir near Abingdon which it claims would help secure water for around 15 million people across the South East, supplying Thames Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water customers.

Thames Water forecasts over 2 million more people will live in London and the Thames Valley by 2050, which is the equivalent of the whole of Birmingham and Leeds moving in.

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The company claims the new reservoir will play an essential role in ensuring a resilient water supply for future generations.

Nevil Muncaster, strategic partnerships director at Thames Water, said: “We need to act now if we are to secure water supply for future generations and remain resilient against the impact of the climate crisis.

“A new reservoir will provide water to 15 million people across the South East and will bring huge social and economic benefits to the area. It will be so much more than a place to store water and will have a lasting legacy, creating a space where people can walk, cycle and sail.

“We’re inviting customers and communities to find out more about the plans and are hosting two events during November, where they can discover the range of benefits that the reservoir will bring, from new jobs to recreational opportunities.”

The community events will be held today (Friday, November 10) at East Hanney War Memorial Hall from 2pm to 8pm, and Wednesday, November 15 at Steventon Milton Hill House from 2pm to 8pm.

The sign-up links are here: Thames Water – Community Information Event at East Hanney War Memorial Hall Tickets, Fri 10 Nov 2023 at 14:00 | Eventbrite and here: Thames Water – Community Information Event at Milton Hill House Tickets, Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 14:00 | Eventbrite.

The events follow on from the publication of Thames Water’s revised draft Water Resources Management Plan at the end of August.

It outlines the actions and investment required to deliver what the company states is a secure and sustainable water supply, for the next 50 years and beyond.

Many householders living in towns and villages near to the proposed reservoir area, have spoken out against the plans.

The Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD) has set its face against the proposed reservoir, and particularly Thames Water’s plans to increase its original size by 50 per cent to 150 Mm3.

The campaigners argue the structure would put villagers in East Hanney at risk fi there was a fault with the reservoir, and are calling for Thames Water to carry out more flood risk research.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1