Plans for a new reservoir in the Cambridgeshire Fens are progressing with updated design proposals being presented in the third phase of public consultation.

An artists impression of Fens Reservoir

Running from 15 October to 10 December, the consultation is a further opportunity for local communities to get involved and help shape how the project is developed.

A new reservoir for Cambridge

The new reservoir is a major investment we are delivering with Anglian Water, to protect our future water supplies from climate change, meet the growing demand for water and enhance the environment. 

This new piece of infrastructure is also a key area of focus for the government’s growth ambitions. As well as helping to ensure a resilient water supply for decades to come, the new reservoir will create jobs and economic opportunities during construction and beyond.

Located in one of the areas most at risk from the challenges of climate change, the reservoir will also contribute to long term goals of ensuring the East of England is resilient to the risks of drought and flooding, by enabling us and Anglian Water to collect excess river water when flows are at their highest, and store it for use in dry summers, when water is scarcer. This would reduce the reliance on sensitive groundwater sources such as chalk streams, helping to protect and restore the environment.

The new reservoir will deliver and enable a wide range of “socio-economic” benefits, including creating employment opportunities, offering recreational and educational facilities, supporting local suppliers and services, and boosting local economic spending.

At peak construction – expected to last around 5-6 years – the project will need around 2,000 workers with a wide variety of employment opportunities for local businesses. In the longer term, the new water resource would also help support plans for growth – the new reservoir will supply water to around 250,000 homes every year.

Natalie Akroyd, Director of Quality and Environment for Cambridge Water, commented: "Involving communities and stakeholders is a key part of how we’re developing the reservoir. 

"We have learned a lot from our consultations so far, and that feedback has already shaped our plans. 

"This new consultation will continue to help shape the significant social, economic and environmental opportunities for surrounding communities and the whole of the East of England."

Geoff Darch, Head of Strategic Asset Planning at Anglian Water, added: "The new reservoir represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure water supply to our customers for future generations and create an exciting destination that will transform this area of the Fens. 

"We will be creating space for wildlife, such as wetlands, alongside enabling new recreational and educational facilities and natural places for people to explore. It also means creating new jobs and providing opportunities for local communities and businesses."

Consultation materials

A range of consultation materials are available to view on the project website – www.fensreservoir.co.uk - alongside interactive maps, visualisations, and clear instructions on how the public can have their say.

Across the eight-week consultation, we will be engaging with local communities through a series of in-person events, so people can meet with the project team, find out more, and ask questions.

To view details of the upcoming events, see the homepage of the project website. 

Fens Reservoir

Learn more about this major investment for our water resilience.