Are there benefits for UK to invest in more reservoirs

Benefits of More Reservoirs

Investing in the build of reservoirs will offer improved water security. Reservoirs store water during wet periods for use in dry months, reducing pressure on rivers and aquifers.

There are a number of benefits:

• Support for Agriculture - Farmers rely on consistent water supplies for irrigation, especially during prolonged dry spells—vital for food security.
• Protection of Natural Ecosystems - By storing water for human use, reservoirs reduce over-abstraction from rivers and wetlands, helping to protect biodiversity and aquatic habitats.
• Flood Control (depending on design and location) - While not all reservoirs help with flooding, certain multi-use designs can buffer heavy rainfall, reducing downstream flood risk.

While there are very clear positive factors to increasing water storage solutions in the UK, this needs to weighed up against negative environmental impacts. 

Environmental Impact

• New reservoirs can flood habitats, displace wildlife, and disrupt local ecosystems during construction.

• Must be sited carefully with environmental mitigation plans.