Abberton: Reservoir expansion plans unveiled

14/12/2007

The proposed expansion of a reservoir has moved a step forward after plans were submitted.

Blueprints were sent to Colchester Council on Friday, outlining how Essex and Suffolk Water wants to stave off future supply shortages by enlarging Abberton Reservoir.

The company is proposing a 58 per cent capacity increase to make more water available to homes and businesses across Essex - the driest county in the UK. It is also seeking permission for two underground pipelines to transfer water to the reservoir from Suffolk.

advertisementOne will run from Kirtling Green to Wixoe, on the Essex/Suffolk border, where the water will flow into the River Stour.

The second will take water out of the Stour at Wormingford and on to its final destination.

The expansion plans have been welcomed by Essex Wildlife Trust, which runs a bird sanctuary at the reservoir.

Essex and Suffolk Water's Jim Jenkins said staff had worked hard to design the scheme to a "high level of environmental sensitivity".

Research has shown demand for water in Essex will rise by about six per cent over the next 25 years, almost entirely due to the predicted rise in population.

The new reservoir will help by allowing a maximum of 41,000 million litres to be stored, compared to the current figure of 26,000 million If approved, work will start in 2010 and due for completion in 2014.

2:26pm Friday 14th December 2007

Maldon Standard - www.maldonandburnhamstandard.co.uk