Almost nine in 10 people across the South East view White Horse Reservoir as important to safeguarding future water supplies.
The proposed reservoir would secure water supply for 15 million people across the South East, including Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water customers.
Two thirds of people are worried about having access to a consistent supply of water and less than a third believe there will always be a plentiful supply of water in the region.
The UK is set to enter its fifth record-breaking heatwave this week and more than two-thirds of England are now officially in drought.
Thames Water is warning of a 1 billion litre daily shortfall of water by 2050 without urgent action.
Brits are backing Thames Water’s proposed White Horse Reservoir, which would secure water supply for millions of people across the South East, new research (1) reveals.
The proposed reservoir would be situated near Abingdon, in Oxfordshire. Should the company secure government approval to build the project, water would be available for use from 2040.
This year is the first on record where temperatures have hit 35C in May, June and July. The Met office confirmed that July was the hottest, sunniest and driest month since records began, while there was barely a drop of rain recorded in the River Thames catchment.
Despite record-breaking weather, with four consecutive heatwaves this summer and a fifth anticipated this week, along with strong public backing for Thames Water's new reservoir (89 per cent of those surveyed support the project) the UK has not built a new reservoir in over 30 years.
Leonie Dubois, Delivery Director – Consents and Place, Thames Water said: “This summer has served as a stark reminder of the extremely hot and dry weather that is set to become our new norm. It’s therefore vital that we’re able to store more water and White Horse Reservoir’s role in future water supply is of national critical importance.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see people backing our plans and wanting to see the reservoir become reality. The project would secure water supply for millions right across the South East, protecting our customers and the environment.”
A space for nature, a place for people
The research also revealed eight in 10 people across the South East would visit the new reservoir, cooling off and connecting with nature. 90 per cent of locals (those living 0-5km) would visit the reservoir at least once a year, while those who would visit once a month has doubled from 23 per cent to 46 per cent (compared to 2024 research).
Nine in 10 feel White Horse Reservoir would provide recreation and leisure spaces, with three quarters of people showing interest in trails and outdoor exploration, including walking, cycling and wildlife watching.
While almost half (47 per cent) were ready to make a splash, expressing an interest in water-based activities including sailing, kayaking and open water swimming.
The reservoir is set to create 500 hectares of green space, including mosaic ponds, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife corridors. 90 per cent of those surveyed agree it would deliver environmental and wildlife habitat benefits.
Economic boost
The reservoir, which is the largest water infrastructure project in a generation, is set to cost £6.6bn.
Thames Water would use the same tried and tested funding model used for the Thames Tideway Tunnel, competitively selecting and appointing an independent company (Infrastructure Provider) to finance and build the reservoir. Costs would be recovered through customer bills over the asset’s lifetime, delivering better value for money.
Thames Water forecasts the reservoir would create more than 1,000 new jobs during its construction and 84 per cent of those surveyed say it'll boost jobs and the economy.
The reservoir would drive growth across the country, creating opportunities for businesses of every size, from local suppliers to specialist contractors and major national and international firms.
The company is on track to submit its Development Consent Order application to the planning inspectorate in November 2026.
Notes to editors
Research conducted by Accent, amongst a representative sample of 2,004 UK adults (18+), data collected between May or June 2026. Sample weighted to be nationally representative.
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