Thames Water has appointed a technical partner as it works to deliver a new reservoir which would provide water for 15 million customers.
The company which covers Oxfordshire is teaming up with the Arup Binnies joint venture to deliver South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) near Abingdon.
It promises a secure water supply for customers in the Thames Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water catchment areas from 2040.
The company says without the reservoir, the South East’s future water supply is at risk due to population growth and challenges of climate change.
Thames Water forecasts that across London and the Thames Valley it will need an extra one billion litres of water every day by 2050, with two million more people expected to live in London and the Thames Valley.
Mohit Farmah, head of procurement and supply chain at Thames Water, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Arup Binnies joint venture as our new technical partner for SESRO.
"This supply chain of technical experts with global reach will ensure our reservoir proposals are not only compliant with the Planning Act 2008 but are also developed to a world-class standard.
"SESRO is a nationally significant infrastructure project that has a crucial role to play in the health and wellbeing of 15 million people, the economy and the environment.
"I have every confidence this partnership will help us to secure that future."
Paula Walsh, chair of Arup in the UK, India, Middle East and Africa, added: "Being part of Thames Water's bold new vision to improve water resilience is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference in support of secure and sustainable water solutions."
A public consultation is underway as proposals for the new reservoir are developing.
Communities and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the new design and interim masterplan for the reservoir.
Their views will help to shape the next iteration of the proposed design and construction schedule.
Should Thames Water secure government approval for SESRO Arup Binnies joint venture will play a crucial role in ensuring the company is ready to submit a Development Consent Order for the reservoir in 2026.
If granted, construction is forecast to begin in 2029 with SESRO expected to begin operating in 2040.
The collaboration with Arup Binnies was established following a thorough procurement process.
Both organisations have supported the design and construction of London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel and are playing a key role in the design of the Fens and Lincs Reservoirs.
The companies will work alongside Thames Water’s strategic resource options team to deliver technical services in engineering design, environmental assessment, planning, and land access and acquisition.
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