Ofwat has confirmed that the proposed Cheddar Reservoir 2 project is able continue to the next stage of development after granting approval to progress through the RAPID (Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development) process. The decision follows the reservoir’s inclusion in South West Water’s “best value” Water Resources Management Plan and reflects growing concern over future water security in the South West.
The scheme involves creating a new reservoir due south of the existing Cheddar Reservoir, providing around 8.2 billion litres of additional water storage. Water would be collected from the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe during wetter periods and transferred into regional supply networks, helping to improve resilience during droughts and periods of increasing demand.
Ofwat’s approval is conditional on South West Water's continued environmental protection, particularly for the Somerset Levels and surrounding wetlands. Further environmental assessments, public consultation and planning work will now take place before construction.
