Anglian Water is to build a £2bn reservoir north of Chatteris capable of supplying water to 250,000 homes.
“Our proposals are still at an early stage, and people will have plenty of opportunities to have their say as our plans progress,” said a company spokesperson.
“We are working in partnership with Cambridge Water to progress proposals for the reservoir in the Fens, which would supply water to customers of both companies.”
Anglian Water says that following a “thorough and multi-stage site selection assessment process” it had identified the best place for it.
“We have now identified that the best performing site for the proposed reservoir is an area north of Chatteris and east of the villages of Doddington and Wimblington,” said the spokesperson.
“We anticipate that the reservoir will be able to supply around 86 million litres of water per day throughout the year to 250,000 homes, increasing water resource availability by capturing water during winter when it is plentiful.
“Our proposals go beyond just building a new reservoir – we will create new habitats for wildlife and places for people to explore, and new leisure facilities for people to enjoy.”
Anglian Water says it has contacted those who will potentially be affected by our proposals.
“It is only right that those most impacted by our proposals find out first and are able to ask any questions they may have,” said the spokesperson.
“A public consultation process will begin on 12 October when we will provide further details and give communities the opportunity to help shape the development of the reservoir’s design and inform the opportunities it could create.
“There will be plenty of opportunity to have your say and the consultation will be advertised widely.”
Anglian Water says this summer had been the driest eight-month period since 1976.
And with the East of England only seeing a fifth of its average rainfall in July, long-term plans for two new reservoirs (the other is in Lincolnshire) they aim to secure the region’s water supplies for future generations.
