UK Fast-Tracks First New Reservoirs in 30 Years

The UK government has fast-tracked two major reservoirs—the Fens Reservoir in Cambridgeshire and the Lincolnshire Reservoir—designating them as 'nationally significant' to expedite construction and address water shortages from climate change, population growth, and aging infrastructure. These are set to be the first new reservoirs built in England in over 30 years and will secure water supplies for more than 750,000 homes as well as support new housing developments in water-stressed regions. Planning authority now rests with Environment Secretary Steve Reed, bypassing local decision-making to accelerate approvals. The Fens Reservoir aims for completion by 2036 and the Lincolnshire Reservoir by 2040, together providing over 250 million litres of water per day. The government also intends to legislate so that future major reservoirs automatically receive nationally significant status, with a target of nine new reservoirs by 2050. Experts emphasize that new reservoirs must be coupled with immediate improvements to water management and infrastructure to address short-term drought risks.