After the driest and hottest summer on record, plans are moving forward for a major new reservoir to keep Somerset's taps running — and residents are being asked to have their say.

Cheddar Reservoir has hit alarmingly low levels, with bottled water even sent to parts of North Somerset. Now, a public consultation is under way on proposals for a second reservoir — 'Cheddar Two' — to be built just to the south and serve the Somerset Council area and beyond.

The Environment Agency says without it, the south west could face a shortfall of more than 200 million litres of water every day — enough to leave 1.87 million people without reliable supply.

West Country Water and Environment (WCWE), a partnership of local water companies and the Environment Agency, is leading the project. They plan to build a second reservoir fed by the Cheddar Yeo and River Axe, backed up by a new pipeline network to transport water as far as Tiverton. All the pipelines will be laid underground, crossing beneath the M5, River Parrett and railway lines to reduce landscape impact.

WCWE programme director Steve Lanzon said: "This is a significant step forward … As we face the dual challenges of climate change and a growing population, we must find new and sustainable ways to secure our water supply while protecting our environment."

The Cheddar Two scheme also promises new wildlife habitats and reductions in river abstraction to support ecosystems during dry spells.

Drop-in consultation events are being held throughout September, with the initial phase closing on 1 October. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2028, with the reservoir expected to be operational by 2035.

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H/T LDRS