89% back new reservoir project to secure water supply in the South East

In the United Kingdom, a recent survey conducted by Thames Water revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 89% of 2,004 adults surveyed across the South East, consider the proposed White Horse Reservoir to be crucial for ensuring future water supplies. This survey was carried out by the agency Accent between May and June 2026, following a series of record-breaking heatwaves and the driest July on record for England and Wales. The need for such a reservoir has become increasingly pressing, as more than two-thirds of England is currently experiencing drought conditions.

The proposed reservoir, which is estimated to cost £6.6 billion, is located near Abingdon and is intended to secure water supply for approximately 15 million people in the South East, including customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water, and Southern Water. The Chairman of the Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD), Derek Stork, has voiced concerns regarding the project, stating that their petition against it has garnered 8,000 signatures, which he believes better represents public sentiment than the survey conducted by Thames Water. Stork argues that the focus should be on fixing leaks in the existing water supply system, as a significant amount of water is lost through leaks.

The survey results come at a time when public concern about water supply is high, with two-thirds of respondents expressing worries about consistent access to water. Less than a third of those surveyed believe that there will always be a plentiful supply of water in the region. The urgency of the situation has been highlighted by the extreme weather conditions experienced in 2026, which have raised awareness about the potential for future droughts and the need for improved water storage solutions.

Plans for the White Horse Reservoir have progressed to the planning application stage as of May 2026. If the government approves the project, water from the reservoir is expected to be available for use by 2040. Leonie Dubois, delivery director at Thames Water, has described the support shown in the survey as "incredibly encouraging," emphasizing the importance of the reservoir in light of changing weather patterns. The project is seen as a critical step towards ensuring a sustainable water supply for the future, but it faces opposition from local councils and community groups who are concerned about its environmental impact and the prioritization of water management strategies.