Essex & Suffolk Water is starting work to enlarge its Abberton Reservoir to help safeguard future water supplies in Essex.

After 17 years of investigation, assessment and consultation, the work to enlarge the reservoir near Colchester by 58 per cent got underway last week.

The enhancement of Abberton Reservoir is part of the Abberton Scheme, which also includes the installation of two large raw water pipelines and a new pumping station. The water company is investing £150 million to complete the Scheme, which will help ensure a secure water supply to one and half million people in Essex.

Essex is the driest county in the UK, receiving on average less than 600mm of rain a year. In a dry year, Essex already has a shortage of water compared with demand. This is predicted to rise even further, almost entirely due to a significant increase in population in the area.

The enlarged reservoir will hold an additional 15 billion litres of water and will be fully operational by 2014. The water level of the reservoir is being raised by three metres and its footprint is increasing by 40 per cent. As well as providing a vital new water resource the enlarged reservoir has been designed to provide benefits for the local community and wildlife.

John Devall, Essex & Suffolk Water Operations Director said:

“The start of construction at Abberton Reservoir is an important milestone in securing future water supplies for people in Essex. The Scheme is an essential improvement to the county’s infrastructure. It is wonderful to see this project, which has spanned the course of two decades, coming to life as work gets underway. We really look forward to seeing the finished result which we are sure will be a significantly enhanced reservoir for our customers, the local community and wildlife.”