Broad Oak reservoir is an exciting project which, once constructed, will not only help meet the future demand for drinking water in east Kent, but also create new habitats, increase biodiversity and provide countless social benefits for the local community.
Located to the north of Canterbury, it could hold 5,126 million litres of water, enough to supply 22 million litres of water a day.
Raw water would be taken from the Great Stour near Monkton and then held at the reservoir before being treated at the on-site water treatment works and pumped to homes and businesses.
Plans for the reservoir have featured consistently in our Water Resources Management Plans in recent years and is required from 2035 to reduce the amount of water we take from groundwater and rare chalk stream habitats.
We’re very much in the early days of planning and further information will be made available as these are developed.
While the site’s primary objective is to be a drinking water source, it also has the potential to offer a wide variety of environmental and social benefits. Therefore, we are keen to involve the community as much as possible in its development.
History
Plans to build a reservoir at the site were first discussed in the 1940s. We then purchased the land in 1975 for the specific purpose of building a reservoir at the site.
Since the 1970s the scale and scope of the proposal have evolved as plans have developed.
What could Broad Oak Water look like?
In the late 1960s/early 1970s, we built our Arlington Reservoir near Eastbourne, East Sussex, which has since become a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Nature trails guide visitors around the reservoir, which has become a haven for wildlife.
Although at this stage we cannot say what activities will take place on/around Broad Oak reservoir, we have begun gathering ideas as to what the community would like to see if it is built.
Ideas have included fishing nature trails, a cycle route and an education centre. We want it to be an asset to the area both for the community and the environment, and we will continue to work with local residents and organisations to achieve that.
If you have any thoughts about what you want to see at the site, submit your ideas on our interactive map here(opens in a new tab).
Key facts about what the reservoir could deliver
The new reservoir could hold a refreshing 5,126 million litres of water and supply an extra 22 million litres to the area daily, equivalent to 275,000 full baths.
As well as being a much-needed water source for the local community, the reservoir can bring new recreational facilities to the area, such as angling, walking and bird watching.
Providing a free and peaceful day out for all walks of life while simultaneously boosting biodiversity through habitat creation.
