Future Water was pleased to welcome the Rt. Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to the Havant Thicket Reservoir site in Hampshire — the first new reservoir to be constructed in the UK since the 1980s. His visit marks a significant milestone in the four-year construction programme and highlights the national importance of sustainable, future-ready water infrastructure.
A Closer Look at Progress on Site
Joined by members of the project team and engineering experts, Mr. Reed explored the scale of the reservoir from a dedicated viewing platform, taking in the vast landscape under development. He also had the opportunity to inspect one of the project’s key engineering features — a newly built reinforced concrete culvert.
This culvert will house the pipelines that transport water from the reservoir to a treatment facility before being distributed to homes and businesses across the region. It forms a critical part of the reservoir’s infrastructure, helping to secure long-term water resilience amid growing demand and climate uncertainty.
Part of a National Strategy
The visit was part of a wider tour by Mr. Reed and Water Minister Emma Hardy, aimed at showcasing how major investments in water infrastructure are supporting:
- New housing growth
- Local job creation
- Regional economic development
- Environmental sustainability
Havant Thicket Reservoir stands as a prime example of how strategic infrastructure can address multiple national priorities at once — supporting people, the economy, and the environment.
Reservoir Capacity and Environmental Benefits
When complete, Havant Thicket Reservoir will:
- Store up to 8.7 billion litres of water
- Supply up to 21 million litres per day during prolonged dry periods
- Enable water transfers to Southern Water, easing pressure on ecologically sensitive rivers such as the River Test and River Itchen
These capabilities will be crucial in helping the region adapt to climate change, reduce river abstraction, and improve overall water resilience.
More Than a Reservoir: A Community Space
In addition to securing future water supplies, the reservoir is also being developed with the local community in mind. Planned features include:
- A visitor centre to support learning and public engagement
- New wetland habitats to promote biodiversity
- A network of walking and cycling routes, encouraging active lifestyles and recreational use
This integrated design reflects Future Water’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that brings both environmental and social value to the communities it serves.