White Horse Reservoir — essential water security or the wrong solution at the wrong scale?
The White Horse Reservoir proposal, formerly known as SESRO, is a major water-storage scheme near Abingdon. Thames Water’s project team presents it as part of the response to future water-supply pressures in the south-east.
White Horse Reservoir Project Overview
- Proposal: A new reservoir and associated infrastructure.
- Location: Near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.
- Promoter’s case: Greater resilience to drought and future demand.
- Main debate: Whether the proposed scale, location and cost are justified against other supply and demand measures.
Project Status & Local Controversy
The main statutory consultation closed in January 2026, and the project team describes further work on access arrangements before an anticipated application later in 2026. Vale of White Horse District Council opposes the proposal, questioning its scale, alternatives and environmental effects. The promoter’s delivery dates remain forecasts dependent on consent and subsequent delivery.
Discussion point: What comparison of reservoirs, leakage reduction, water efficiency and other supply options would residents regard as fair and convincing?
Infrastructure Capacity & Delivery
- Need and alternatives: How sensitive is the case to different population, demand and climate assumptions?
- Affordability: How should customers see the relationship between the investment, their bills and the resilience being purchased?
Environmental and Landscape Risks
- Flooding and drainage: Which locations require detailed assessment, and who would independently check the safeguards?
- Land and carbon: How will construction emissions, agricultural land changes and habitat measures be weighed against long-term supply benefits?
Access and Community Impacts
- Construction access: How would affected villages be protected from prolonged heavy traffic and disrupted journeys?
- Local amenities: Any promised recreation or landscape improvements should have clear delivery dates, access arrangements and maintenance responsibilities.
Sources & Further Reading
Research checked on 8 October 2026. The highlighted discussion point is an editorial question, not a quotation from a resident.
Linked item location
OX13 6RR