This website has been created using the best information available to GARD at the time of its compilation. The opinions expressed are based on GARD’s perception of the issues involved and the stance taken by Thames Water with regard to their proposal to build an Abingdon Reservoir. The views expressed in this website, which GARD reserves the right to change ahead of the Inquiry, cannot necessarily be taken, therefore, in whole or in part to represent GARD’s position at that Inquiry.

GARD is a group of individuals with technical expertise drawn from the public, free of any political or vested interests.  Our objective is to identify the most cost effective and environmentally sustainable water resource solutions in the interests of water consumers. GARD is advised by eminent water industry practitioners. Our committee is composed of voluntary, unpaid members.

Thames Water (TW) are determined to build a massive reservoir across approximately 5,000 acres of productive farmland south west of Abingdon.  Their latest Plan (Sept 2009) is to bring it into operation by 2026.  Their long range forecasts allege that by 2035 water demand in their Region will exceed supply by some 60 million litres per day in drought conditions.  Its huge cost will add at least £10, probably nearer £20 per annum, to all TW water consumers’ water bills.

It cannot be justifiable for TW to build this reservoir – probably one of the largest of its type in the world – when other much superior, lower cost water resource alternatives exist.  GARD has been bringing these other options to the attention of DEFRA, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, local government, politicians and other influential bodies for several years.

Thames Water have failed objectively or fairly to evaluate the better, cheaper, more environmentally sustainable proposals put forward by GARD, supported by their expert independent professional advisors. 

Whatever encouragement Thames Water may have felt they were given in the past to build an Abingdon reservoir, it does now appear that the Government has significant doubts about its alleged need.  DEFRA launched a Public Inquiry on 3rd August, 2009, which will be held from 15th June for 10-12 working days (current estimate).

GARD’S CONCERNS

Thames Water have ignored GARD’s better water resource supply options:

GARD has proposed increased water re-use and  water transfer from the Severn to supplement the Thames flow. GARD’s carefully researched and technically evaluated water resource proposals will more than meet predicted growth in water demand across  Thames Water’s Region, including London, without any Abingdon reservoir. 

Bigger profits for Thames Water from a reservoir:

Quote from the Industrial Editor, Tim Webb (the Observer, 30th August 2009):- “Thames Water can make bigger profits by spending billions of pounds building new infrastructures such as reservoirs..... to increase supplies, than by the potentially cheaper way of importing water from different regions. Customers bills have to rise to pay for (water) companies’ increased spending, with Thames Water at 3% above inflation each year.”

No confidence in TW’s forecasts:

Thames Water have consistently overstated long term water demand. Over the last 5 years they have had to reduce their own previous demand forecasts for 2029/30 for their London Zone on  three occasions by a total of 350 million litres per day.

Unacceptable leakage rate:

Thames Water have the highest leakage rate of all UK water companies. (read more) Despite some recent improvements in their leakage repair programme – which yielded greater water savings than TW had expected – it must make sense for them to continue with substantial leakage repairs to London’s ageing mains as a matter of priority.  With 50% of these mains over 100 years old, they cannot simply be left to continue ageing and leaking millions of litres per day.

AN ABINGDON RESERVOIR IS NEITHER NEEDED NOR JUSTIFIABLE