What are we doing?
To upgrade our reservoir at Bewl, we’re currently undertaking a £30 million project that involves the installation of three large hydraulic siphons. These will allow us to reduce the water level of the reservoir more quickly, if needed. There are many reasons why we might need to do this, for example to carry out repairs to the dam, or to reduce high water levels during periods of exceptionally high rainfall.
In September 2024, we drilled through a section of the dam wall. This will allow us to install some pipework in preparation for the installation of the siphons, which will commence late 2024.
Our reservoir at Bewl is the largest stretch of open water in the South East of England. It’s a key source of drinking water for East Sussex and Kent, with the capacity to hold more than 31,000 million litres of water – enough to provide an average day’s usage to almost 200 million people.
Where?
Bewl Water, Kent/East Sussex boundary
Investment amount
£30 million
Start date
April 2023
Completion date
Winter 2025/26
Useful information for residents and visitors
We’re working closely with Bewl Water to limit any disruption to local residents, visitors and businesses that operate there. Reservoir users and walkers/cyclists will continue to have access to the water and the footpath near to our working area.
Want to know more?
You can email the Capital Projects Customer Team at capitalcomms@southernwater.co.uk. They will always get back to you within 5 working days, but usually less.
Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 3030 368. Just tell us you’re calling about Capital Projects, with Project Reference Number (PRN) 795000 so we can help you more quickly.