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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
Expert Spotlight

Cath Schefer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global

I’m passionate about bringing the combined knowledge and expertise of Stantec’s people across the world to deliver great projects for our clients and communities.
Cath Schefer Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global Read More

Liz Chapman, Director of Technical Design Services

Innovation isn’t just about thinking up new ideas; it can also be about bringing ideas from elsewhere and adopting them.
Liz Chapman Director of Technical Design Services Read More

Scott Jackson, Regional Director, Water

I have an open and honest leadership style which helps my team deliver innovative project solutions for our clients and communities.

Craig McMaster, Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services

Supporting our clients create high performing enterprise structures for the efficient delivery of major capital investments is the foundation of my role at Stantec.
Craig McMaster Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services Read More

John Ord, Business Director, Energy & Resources

The UK energy business is changing rapidly. We assist our clients across the industry to shape and improve transitional and future energy projects.
John Ord Business Director, Energy & Resources Read More

Timothy Williams, Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water

Communication at all levels, within and between organisations, is paramount to business success.
Timothy Williams Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water Read More

Jamie Woods, Regional Director, Water

Collaboration has always been at the heart of my approach – not just in technical delivery, but also business leadership.

Cath Schefer

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Global

Liz Chapman

Director of Technical Design Services

Scott Jackson

Regional Director, Water

Craig McMaster

Head of Programme Management and Integrator Services

John Ord

Business Director, Energy & Resources

Timothy Williams

Strategic Growth & Business Development Director, Water

Jamie Woods

Regional Director, Water

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Run Modes: s7connect,crx3,nosamplecontent,publish,crx3tar
Build Version: 2.5.0.8
Build Date: 2022-44-28 08:44:26