Welcome to our latest newsletter

Our spring edition provides an update on the latest news about the reservoir including a new artist’s impression and information about our phase two consultation.

Project Spotlight

New vision for proposed reservoir in Lincolnshire revealed

Please note: this is an indicative image and the design may change as our proposals develop.

Anglian Water has released an artist’s impression of its proposed new reservoir in Lincolnshire, offering an example of what the reservoir close to Scredington, Helpringham and Swaton could look like in the future. 

The design, which has evolved using the valuable feedback from the first phase of consultation, shows how the reservoir could feature in the landscape.. Its shape and gently sloping embankments are designed to integrate with the surrounding villages and farmland. 

New footpaths and cycling trails could help connect adjacent communities with the reservoir, creating a place that brings people, nature and water together. The image also shows a unique lagoon feature, which would maintain a consistent water level all year round, facilitating activities such as sailing and wind surfing.   

The proposals include wetland areas spread across the reservoir that would seek to provide new habitats and encourage ecological restoration. Each of these unique features would be connected by a network of new footpaths, encouraging visitors and the local community to explore the new outdoor destination. The new reservoir would create jobs, and wider economic, environmental, leisure and health benefits for the local community.

Anglian Water’s existing reservoirs, such as Rutland Water and Grafham Water, welcome more than two million people each year. The proposed Lincolnshire site will also seek to encourage tourism in the area, creating new jobs and supporting existing local businesses.  

Consultation launching in May

Anglian Water has announced plans for a second phase of public consultation on the reservoir proposals, which will take place from 30 May to 25 July. Over the eight week consultation period, the project will be welcoming feedback on the emerging design for the reservoir and the associated water infrastructure required to fill the reservoir, treat the water, and transport it to homes and businesses.

When the consultation launches, we’ll provide a range of information, including an interactive map and masterplan, project brochures and an educational animation. Our project website will be updated and we’ll be holding events in the communities closest to our proposals. We hope you take part and we look forward to receiving your feedback. 

Early engagement

Before the start of the consultation, we are engaging with property and landowners who may be impacted by our proposals. Anglian Water is committed to continuing to work closely with those who may have land interests affected by our proposals to understand their views as the plans for the reservoir develop.

Securing water supply for future generations

The proposed new reservoir could provide a secure water supply for around half a million homes, as well as protecting the environment by enabling a reduction in the amount of water taken from rivers and underground aquifers elsewhere in the region. 

The East of England is facing growing challenges to water supply from both population growth in the region and a changing climate. Projections from the Met Office show that the East of England will become hotter and drier in summer, and wetter in winter, meaning that there is a pressing need to store winter water to cope with summer droughts. 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.

The proposed reservoir in Lincolnshire is part of a multi-billion pound investment programme from Anglian Water, with the water company currently building a network of strategic pipelines to bring water from wetter to drier parts of the region, which will help to secure water supplies while two new reservoirs are being built (the other proposed to be located in the Cambridgeshire Fens).

For more information on the proposed reservoir in Lincolnshire and the forthcoming consultation, please visit: www.lincsreservoir.co.uk