Background: Why is a reservoir needed?

New water resources are needed to cope with rising demand for water.

The proposed reservoir forms part of our long-term plans to meet the need for water throughout our region. At present, we anticipate that a reservoir will be needed by about 2026.

Increasing population

We predict that more water will be needed in the future as people are continuing to move to London and the South East.

Social changes

In addition to rising population, many people are living on their own, which means they tend to use more water per person. Research shows the average volume used per head is less when people live together.

Climate change

Global warming, due to increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, is likely to result in hotter, drier summers and milder, wetter winters.

There will be a greater demand for water in the summer because people will want to bath or shower more frequently, and use more water for their gardens.