Bridging the 30-year delivery gap: constructing reservoirs for UK water security

20 May 2026
Infrastructure Delivery Stage

To align water supply forecasts with predicted demand, the UK needs to act now to guarantee clean drinking water for future generations. The last reservoir build in the UK was completed in 1992, how are clients and the supply chain embracing new technologies, leaning on historical knowledge and winning over local communities to deliver reservoirs? Join this session to learn from case studies at different delivery stages to support upskilling and knowledge transfer across the industry.


Chair welcome and introduction
Ella Jessel - Utility Week

Havant Thicket Reservoir: constructing an 8.7 billion litre freshwater storage reservoir
Ruari Maybank, Programme Director - Havant Thicket Reservoir - Portsmouth Water

White Horse Reservoir: the importance of pre-application
Leonie Dubois, Head of Engagement Land and Consents - Thames Water

Broad Oak Water: bridging the gap with 21st-century clarity
Michael Hanlon, Interim Head of Major Projects - South East Water

Chairperson
Ella Jessel
Ella Jessel - Utility Week
Speakers
Leonie Dubois
Leonie Dubois, Head of Engagement Land and Consents - Thames Water
Ruari Maybank
Ruari Maybank, Programme Director - Havant Thicket Reservoir - Portsmouth Water
Michael Hanlon
Michael Hanlon, Interim Head of Major Projects - South East Water