Thames Water Reservoir Presentation

Published: 14 November 2024

At the Parish Council meeting on 5th November, Thames Water gave the following presentation.

Thames Water Presentation November 2024

The following queries were raised:

Q: (Release from reservoir into the Thames upstream of Sutton Courtenay.) Does the modelling reflect the flow of the Thames when in a high flow/flood state?

A: More modelling needs to be done, the (release) emergency draw down of water is very unlikely to be needed.

Q: Is there a concern that polluted water will be drawn from the Thames into the reservoir?

A: Polluted water is not a concern as water from the reservoir is treated onsite before entering the network. The concern would be sediment.

Likewise, air diffusers would be installed in the reservoir to prevent algae growth.

Q: Concerns regarding the safety of residents and property if the water level breached the reservoir.

A: The 1975 Reservoirs Act governs the design of reservoirs and must be adhered too.

Follow up comment: Frequently Oxfordshire County Council and other bodies do not adhere to policies.

A: Further information will be provided and published. There will be a Development Consent Order (as it is National Infrastructure), the Parish Council will be invited to review and comment before the Inspectorate signs off the project.

Q: What will the intake/outtake structure (on the bank of the Thames) look like? Will it be a large structure?

A: Designs are being considered. There will be a fish screen and small electrical kiosk but it is not a large structure. The designs will be published in 2025.

Q: What is the impact of the HIF1 (Thames crossing) project on the reservoir scheme?

A: This will be part of the consultation in 2024/25.