Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

England and Wales Reservoir Safety Reform: ALARP Risk‑Based Regulation, Environmental Permitting, Small Reservoirs, Stronger Enforcement and Charging

Published on: 21 May 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Environment expert

Legal News

Article summary

What is reservoir safety?

Reservoir safety addresses the physical stability and sound operation of reservoirs, with particular attention to their dams and embankments. It concerns public protection and the security of critical infrastructure. Reservoirs serve as a strategic buffer in water resource management, holding surplus during wetter periods to sustain supply through dry spells. In England, the regime currently applies to ‘large raised reservoirs’ able to store more than 25,000 cubic metres of water above ground level. In Wales, the bar is lower, covering reservoirs with a capacity exceeding 10,000 cubic metres. As at March 2025, there were 2,146 such regulated reservoirs in England alone. The potential hazard is considerable: about 2.6 million people could be endangered if a dam failure led to catastrophic flooding.

What is the aim of the new regime?

The reforms intend to introduce a modernised, future-proof framework for reservoir safety across England and Wales. The goal is to deliver a robust, proportionate and adaptive safety regime that mirrors contemporary engineering and regulatory standards, while also preparing for forthcoming pressures from climate change and urban development. At its heart, the new regime is robust, proportionate and adaptive by design and in practical application across jurisdictions...

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