Thames Water's Reservoir Consultation - ends 13th January

Vale of White Horse District Council is encouraging everyone in the local area to take part in Thames Water’s public consultation on the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), before the 13 January 2026 deadline.

The feedback Thames Water gather will inform their Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the government, which they expect to submit in autumn 2026.

People can have their say on Thames Water’s consultation webpages and read more about the proposals.

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “With only a few more weeks to go for Thames Water’s public consultation, I urge everyone to have a say before the January deadline. Now is the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns.”

Cllr Thomas added: “It is no secret that we have deep concerns for the reservoir and the impact it would have on our district.

“Many questions remain around the size of the proposed scheme, its environmental impact and significant (growing) financial and carbon costs, as well as the potential for increased flood risk in local watercourses.

“We are preparing a response to the consultation, which we will publish on our website in due course.

“We remain opposed to this proposal, and we will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government to listen to local voices and reject these plans. We will continue to do everything we can within our power to ensure that the voice of our community is listened to.”

Cllr Andy Cooke, Vale of White Horse District Council's Water Champion, said: "We remain opposed to the current proposal, with all of the issues that are inextricably linked to its world-beating size as a fully-bunded reservoir - issues that remain unaddressed even at this supposedly late stage of design. Dam breach concerns, Emergency Drawdown and flooding are all unavoidable issues when supersizing a proposal like this and I urge the public to have their say and ensure Thames Water provides these basic answers before going any further."

All the details on the council’s response and correspondence relating to SESRO is available on the council’s dedicated SESRO webpage.