From mid-July to end October 2025, Ground Investigation work (GI) will be carried out in agricultural fields in proximity to the Broad Oak reservoir site.
This will provide us with the information we need to assess the proposed location and move forward with the scheme. This means that machinery, personnel and activity will be visible on site for the first time.
However, this is not construction work, and does not signal the start of the reservoir build – it is exploratory survey work to provide us with the data necessary to plan a reservoir design and build. We are not fracking, or drilling for substances, or detrimentally impacting wildlife.
Over the past year, we have conducted a series of non-intrusive surveys, providing environmental and hydrogeological data. GI works are the next phase of the project, and these can be more invasive in nature.
What you may see during Ground Investigations
There will be very visible activity during the period of Ground Investigations, including tall machinery, staff of our appointed contractors, a site office, and vehicles. The area will look like a construction compound, but no construction work is taking place.
Below are some images of the types of machinery you can expect to see on the Broad Oak site:

How you may be affected by the Ground Investigations
Ground Investigation works are to take place during normal daytime working hours, and within noise limits as set by the relevant local planning authority, to minimise disruption and impact to the environment. However, there will be unavoidable noise and activity that may affect those living close by.
We are communicating with South East Water’s residential and agricultural tenants on an individual basis, and sending information to local residents and businesses in the wider area.
Frequently asked questions
GI works involve exploratory surveys. These investigations are crucial for assessing ground conditions, evaluating the project’s viability, and determining the extent of necessary earthworks. The GI works themselves include soil sampling, groundwater and gas monitoring through exploratory holes such as bore holes and trial pits.
This stage is vital for risk mitigation and in contributing towards the project design.
Not at this stage. The Ground Investigation works do not signal the start of construction work on the reservoir – we are assessing the ground where the reservoir will be built at a later date.
The Broad Oak reservoir project is now progressing, with the aim to provide water into supply by 2035. We are in the initial phase of this scheme, and the GI work will inform our plans.
Local residents may hear increased noise levels, and see contractors working on site.
If your land is directly affected, our appointed land agents, Dalcour Maclaren, will contact you individually.
We will be liaising closely with environmental and wildlife groups to avoid impact on watercourses and habitats.
All activities will adhere to Health and Safety and environmental legislation, with working areas being secured with fencing.