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Abberton Reservoir Scheme

The largest reservoir improvement scheme in the UK

  • 58%

    Volume increase

  • 15B

    Additional liters

  • Essex, United Kingdom

    Essex, United Kingdom

Meeting future water requirements while reducing environmental footprint

Originally constructed in the 1930’s, the Abberton Reservoir had the capacity to stock 26 billion litres of water. Located in south east England, the facility supplies drinking water to the residents of Essex. To meet the needs of a rising population Essex & Suffolk Water implemented a scheme to increase the storage capacity, whilst minimising impact on the environment and improving amenity and ecological habitats.

Stantec was appointed to design sustainable solutions for expanding the reservoir to meet future demands. We focused on the need to maintain water production, retain existing key assets, and minimise disturbance of the reservoir that was to remain fully-operational during construction activities. We developed infrastructure improvements around the reservoir including a replacement off-take pumping station, re-engineered valve tower, pipelines and discharge channels, an outlet tunnel at the main dam and the re-routing of 2km of existing public highway around the enlarged reservoir perimeter.

Our team used the highest professional standards to ensure environmental protection and sustainable engineering. We increased Abberton’s storage capacity by raising the reservoir top water level by 3.2m to provide an additional 15,000Ml of raw water storage, an increase of 58%. The Abberton Scheme secures water supplies to Essex for generations to come, ensuring we are prepared for the future. The scheme has also provided additional benefits for the local community and the reservoir is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area under the Habitats Regulations and a Ramsar Site – a wetland of international importance.

At a Glance

Offices
Partners
  • Essex & Suffolk Water
Awards
The Legacy – Sustainability Award at the Constructing Excellence National 2015 Awards
Exceptional Merit Award for Sustainability and a Merit Award for Delivery
Meet Our Team

Rhiannon Meredith, Senior Dams Engineer

Every day my job is challenging and varied—and has allowed me to travel and see places that people don’t normally get to see.

Jon Troke, Project Engineer

What I really enjoy is the variety of challenges my work brings and the inspirational people that I meet along the way.

Rhiannon Meredith

Senior Dams Engineer

Jon Troke

Project Engineer

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