Abingdon Reservoir

The proposal arose in 2006 by Thames Water.[2] In 2007 the Environment Agency opined that need for this was not proven.[3] Further arguments were put but the near-term-demand case was rejected in 2011.[4] In 2023, following a period of consultation, a revised version increase the proposal to 150bn litres (150Mm³).[5]

Since 2018 a longer-term proposal stands, for its building, by 2043 to cater to projected population growth in the Thames Basin.[6][7]

The main reason to build is that the South-East is facing significant seasonal water stress. Factors are the rain shadow behind the prevailing westerly winds and western hills. Eastern counties lack the rainfall of the west; their average annual rainfall being 500-750mm. The west receives around 1800-2800mm.

Average population density is higher in the eastern than western counties; London houses 13.5% of the UK's population. This is the greatest concentration of domestic water usage. Roughly 22% of water use is domestic; 75% is from all types of industry.

GARD or the 'Group Against Reservoir Development' have counter-arguments, local, national and looking at international comparators.[8]

• Thames Water have unambitious targets for leakages[8]
• The reservoir will be far from potent against long droughts[9]
• As there is enough water to supply London now there can be in future using other, sustainable methods. [8]
• Impacts on the ecosystem being transformed from supporting many endangered and protected land-based invertebrates, water voles, bats and hedgehogs to more water-based bird life.[8]
• Traffic congestion and construction pollution.[8]
• Local economic loss of many well-rooted businesses and a solar farm.[10][8]
• A new, low, risk of flooding.[8]

• Thames Water

51°38′04″N 1°21′15″W