The UK Government has taken decisive action to address water supply concerns by approving the construction of two major reservoirs in East Anglia and Lincolnshire, marking the first such projects in over 30 years.

Water shortages are currently hindering the construction of thousands of homes, particularly in regions like Cambridge, emphasizing the urgent need for these new reservoirs.

Water Minister Emma Hardy stated that the government's intervention aims to streamline the planning process and ensure water security for future generations while facilitating housing development.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has designated these reservoir projects as 'nationally significant', allowing them to bypass some local planning hurdles.

Both reservoir projects will enter a consultation phase to gather feedback from communities and stakeholders, ensuring local input is considered.

The Lincolnshire reservoir is expected to provide up to 166 million liters per day for 500,000 homes by 2040, while the Fens Reservoir will supply 87 million liters per day for 250,000 homes by 2036.

No major reservoirs have been constructed in England since 1992, highlighting a significant gap in infrastructure development since the privatization of the water sector.

Experts emphasize that alongside building new reservoirs, improving water management practices, such as reducing leaks and waste, is crucial for addressing future water needs.

The Met Office warns that climate change is likely to increase the frequency of droughts, making these reservoirs vital for managing water resources during hotter, drier summers.

Projected completion dates for the reservoirs are set for 2036 and 2040, indicating a long lead time before they can alleviate current water shortages.

The Environment Agency has warned of a potential daily shortfall of nearly 5 billion liters of water by 2050 if no action is taken to improve supply.

These reservoirs are being fast-tracked to enhance water supply amid growing demands driven by climate change and population growth.