Land Surveys Commence for Revived Cheddar 2 Reservoir Project

Engineers have initiated land surveys south of Bristol following the revival of plans for a new reservoir. South West Water confirmed its consideration of constructing a second reservoir near Cheddar in Somerset. This proposed reservoir, designated Cheddar 2, is intended to bolster the drinking water provision for Bristol and the wider South West region, and is incorporated into the water company’s five-year business strategy. “As part of our 2025-2030 business plan we’re resurrecting plans for the Cheddar 2 reservoir, that will benefit customers across the Greater South West,” the company stated in an official release. The firm further indicated that it is currently in the “early stages” of the planning process and is conducting surveys to “inform the design of the scheme”. “Across our entire region we are working hard to develop a multi-faceted demand and supply strategy to protect our supplies and break the cycle of drought,” it added. These plans were initially put forward by Bristol Water in 2013. However, the water regulator Ofwat expressed “significant concerns” regarding whether a second Cheddar reservoir would serve the best interests of customers. Bristol Water subsequently abandoned the proposal in 2018. The company was later acquired by the Pennon Group, which also holds ownership of South West Water. The company announced its intention to provide updates on the Cheddar 2 plans in the coming months. “Alongside Cheddar 2 plans, we are re-purposing disused quarries, investing in desalination, and looking at new river abstraction permits,” the company concluded.