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
Ruth Williams - Utility Week

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

South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO): the importance of stakeholder engagement
Leonie Dubois, Head of Engagement Land and Consents - Thames Water

Design principles for reservoirs: with nature in mind
Dr. Louise Bardsley, Principal Adviser Strategic Solutions - Natural England

Talk title to be advised

Chairperson
Ruth Williams
Ruth Williams - Utility Week
Speakers
Dr. Louise Bardsley
Dr. Louise Bardsley, Principal Adviser Strategic Solutions - Natural England
Leonie Dubois
Leonie Dubois, Head of Engagement Land and Consents - Thames Water
Ruari Maybank
Ruari Maybank, Programme Director - Havant Thicket Reservoir - Portsmouth Water