Thames Water Revises Oxfordshire Mega-Reservoir Plan Amid Opposition
Thames Water has amended plans for the 150bn-litre White Horse reservoir near Abingdon as it seeks regulatory approval amid local resistance.
Thames Water has revised the design of a proposed mega-reservoir in Oxfordshire as the financially troubled utility pushes regulators to approve the project, warning of "catastrophic consequences" if construction does not proceed. The changes come as a targeted public consultation opened on the scheme.
The White Horse reservoir, planned for a site near Abingdon, is designed to hold 150 billion litres of water and would cover a surface area of 6.7 square kilometres — roughly equivalent in size to Gatwick airport. The above-ground structure represents one of the largest water infrastructure proposals in England in decades.
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Thames Water's decision to redraw the blueprint reflects mounting pressure from local communities opposing the development. By amending the plans and launching a fresh consultation, the company is signaling its intent to address concerns while still making the regulatory case that the reservoir is essential to the region's long-term water security.
The utility, which has faced severe financial difficulties in recent months, framed the project as critical infrastructure. Regulators will ultimately weigh the amended proposal against both local objections and broader concerns about water supply capacity in southern England, a region already under significant stress during dry summers.
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