The Environment Agency is progressing further construction work on the Kenwith Valley flood scheme - Kier, the Agency’s contractors, are carrying out the work.
The Kenwith Flood Storage Reservoir was first constructed in 1983, as part of the flood defence scheme, following the flooding of 250 properties along Kenwith Stream in 1979, with flood depths reaching 1.5 metres in some locations.
The reservoir overtopped in June 1993, following 26 hours of heavy rain and high tides and flooded a significant number of residential properties in Bideford. The scheme was then reviewed and improved by raising the reservoir embankment to create more storage capacity.
Under the Reservoirs Act of 1975, reservoirs above 25,000m3 capacity undergo a statutory 10-year inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any requirements needed to maintain and improve the resilience of the structure.
The latest inspection resulted in 7 mandatory and 5 non-mandatory requirements which the Environment Agency will deliver. The actions are being delivered under one project, split into three phases.
Phase 1: 2021 – 2023
Completed in 2023, phase 1 included culvert joint replacement, site investigations and crest extension works. These investigations fed into phase 2 works.
Phase 2: 2024 – 2028
Design and construction of improvement measures to the culvert inlet structure, site drainage and dam controls as well as maintenance around the reservoir structures.
Phase 3: completion 2028
Finish to be confirmed
Some preparation work has been completed in 2024 and 2025, including the installation of new access track to the north of the new culvert inlet structure, where work started in March 2026.
However, the Agency said there have been unforeseen delays in 2026, which have slowed progress to the inlet works structure. Temporary piling has been completed, with permanent piling expected to commence in November 2026. The delays have extended the programme for these works, which are now expected to complete in 2028.
Drainage work on the downstream of the dam side was also on pause to allow the progress of the new inlet structure. This work is now being progressed around the inlet works and is also due to complete in 2028. Secondary storage outfall works are currently programmed for 2027.
Anticipated phase 2 completion is 2028 and the start of phase 3 works is 2028 – commencement date is yet to be confirmed.
The Environment Agency will continue to operate and maintain the flood storage reservoir, working with Torridge District Council to improve the site wherever possible for ecology.
The project has an aim to provide environmental enhancements where possible. To achieve this, the Environment Agency is working with its consultants and Torridge District Council to help develop an environmental management plan for the future of the site to help improve the biodiversity of the Kenwith Valley Nature Reserve.
WaterBriefing is supporting the upcoming Floodex & National Drainage Show which takes place in London on 25– 26 November 2026 in London. Now in its eleventh year, Floodex will run alongside the National Civils Show. Between them the events are set to welcome thousands of civil engineers, contractors, developers and planners, involved in construction, utilities, highways, railway and coastal defence professionals.
Click here for more information and to register for your free ticket to attend Floodex/National Drainage Show/Waterways Management
Click here to register for your free ticket to attend the National Civils Show
South West Water has hosted the first municipal trial of the Fournier Rotary Press in the UK, assessing its potential to improve sludge dewatering performance and support future biosolids standards.
Uniwater has acquired Hy-Ram Engineering, a specialist in tooling, products and hire for the water sector, based in Mansfield, England.
Enpure Ltd and Clean TeQ Water Ltd have announced a collaboration agreement to bring Clean TeQ Water's Moving Bed Ion Exchange-based nutrient removal technologies to water utilities across the UK.
Near-real-time microbial monitoring of wastewater discharge and bathing waters is now possible thanks to the BactoSense ID solution created by Swiss-based bNovate Technologies.
Southern Water has released film and images showing what it’s like to walk inside Hampshire’s expanded Yew Hill underground reservoir for the very last time, before it gets filled with water.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.