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UK's First New Reservoir in 30 Years Underway

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Portsmouth Water completed a 72-hour installation of a 20-tonne steel cut-off wall for the Havant Thicket Reservoir, the UK's first new reservoir in over 30 years.
The wall sits beneath the main embankment to create a new water source that protects chalk streams in Hampshire.
The reservoir will hold about 8.7 billion litres when it becomes operational in 2029.
Public access and recreational facilities are planned by 2031.

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Story summary

Portsmouth Water completed a 72-hour installation of a 20-tonne steel cut-off wall for the Havant Thicket Reservoir, the UK's first new reservoir in over 30 years.
The wall sits beneath the main embankment to create a new water source that protects chalk streams in Hampshire.
The reservoir will hold about 8.7 billion litres when it becomes operational in 2029.
Public access and recreational facilities are planned by 2031.