PLANS for a new reservoir near the Mendip Hills appear to be back on the table, according to recently published plans, writes Daniel Mumby.

Bristol Water teased plans for a second reservoir in Cheddar in 2013, claiming it would be built south of the village’s existing reservoir to hold up to nine billion litres of water.

The project was scrapped in 2018, with the company claiming it was no longer needed and would focus on reducing existing leaks instead.

South West Water, which has taken over the management of Bristol Water, is now “resurrecting” the project in its latest business plan, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030.

The announcement was first teased in a New Civil Engineer article which summarised £96billion of investment by UK water companies over five years.

The article said: “South West Water will invest £2.8bn to upgrade a third of water treatment works in Devon and Cornwall, reduce leakage to less than 10 per cent, create a water grid to ensure all strategic reservoirs are connected, and invest in large reservoirs – starting with Cheddar Two in Bristol.”

The project’s revival will require Ofwat’s approval by June 2024 before it can begin the process of securing planning permission.

The plan said: “Customers of Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and those in the Isles of Scilly are set to receive their largest ever investment in their water infrastructure and in resilience, building on the track record for water services we have delivered in Devon and Cornwall, and sharing the learnings from the extended drought.

“It’s also why we’re resurrecting the previously disregarded plans for the Cheddar Two reservoir, that will benefit customers across the Greater South West.

“Our merger with Bristol Water, driven by synergies and strategic water resources benefits, and our active progression of the need for the new Cheddar Two reservoir, brings benefits to all of the wider South West region, including the Wessex region."

South West Water said it was not in a position to directly confirm further details of the project, including how much bills may have to rise for fund the construction.

A spokesperson said the company is “undertaking preliminary studies” into how it could meet the needs of the region.

The company has indicated in its business plan that the new reservoir could be “in operational use by 2032/33” if planning permissions are obtained.