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Anglian Water is pushing ahead with its plans for a new reservoir in Lincolnshire.
The firm has launched a second phase of consultation on the proposals for the Sleaford reservoir, running until 9 August.
Anglian claims that the reservoir is required to ensure security of supply, with the East of England forecast to experience drier summers in the coming years.
An independent report published by the water company last year, commissioned with Capital Economics, revealed that the East of England is set to be the country’s most challenged region outside London within the next two decades.
An Anglian spokesperson warned that “unless bold action is taken, the demand for water will outstrip the available supply within the next decade, making the reservoir project vital for the continued growth and prosperity of the region”.
Geoff Darch, head of supply demand at Anglian Water, said: “The proposed new reservoir in Lincolnshire that we’re developing is a key part of our plans to meet these challenges.
“Together with its associated water infrastructure, the reservoir will create a much-needed new water resource, whilst also presenting significant social, economic and environmental opportunities. We’re planning to include features that local communities would value and use, whilst identifying opportunities to deliver ecological benefits and promote sustainability.
“In the time that we’ve been developing the reservoir proposals, we’ve seen one of the hottest summers on record and one of the wettest winters. It’s a timely reminder of how our region is changing and why we need to take action to prepare for the future.”
As part of the consultation, Anglian Water is providing options and locations for the associated water infrastructure needed to fill the reservoir, treat the water, and transfer it to homes and businesses in the area.
It is also consulting on new walking, cycling and horse riding routes which could help connect adjacent communities with the reservoir, and proposals include opportunities for recreational activities such as sailing and wind surfing.
Ensuring a resilient water supply forms a key component of Anglian’s £9 billion PR24 business plan for 2025-30, which Ofwat is currently assessing.
Its spending ask represents an increase of more than two thirds when compared to £5.3 billion of total expenditure allowed by Ofwat in its final determinations for PR19.
Under its PR24 business plan, the company said its expenditure on the environment would more than double to around £4 billion.
To deliver its Water Resources Management Plan, Anglian said it would spend £534 million on interconnectors, £233 million on strategic regional options and £256 million on other supply side improvements. This expenditure would include planning for two new reservoirs.
It also wants to spend £137 million on metering to complete its smart meter rollout by the end of AMP8, £35 million to reduce leakage by 8% to 152 megalitres per day, and £22 million on other demand-side improvements to cut per capita consumption by 6% to 124 litres per day.
The company said investments to accommodate the region’s rising population, which is expected to grow by 700,000 over the next 20 years, would total £476 million.
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