About Consultation
We are seeking views on our proposed decision to specify the White Horse Reservoir as a Specified Infrastructure Project and on our proposal to issue a Preparatory Works Notice to Thames Water Utilities Ltd (Thames Water) in respect of the reservoir. This is a consultation under the Water Industry (Specified Infrastructure Projects) (English Undertakers) Regulations 2013 (SIP Regulations).
We have set out our reasoning for why we consider the White Horse Reservoir project meets the size or complexity and value for money conditions set out in the SIP Regulations in Appendix 1. We have set out our reasoning for issuing a Preparatory Works Notice in Appendix 2.
If, after this consultation, Ofwat decides to issue a “Specification Notice” for the White Horse Reservoir project, then Thames Water would be required to obtain competitive bids for an independent third party that will finance and deliver the project. Thames Water would be prohibited from carrying out the project itself, with the exception of certain
preparatory works as set out in an accompanying “Preparatory Works Notice”. Drafts of these notices are provided at Appendix 3 and 4.
Ofwat will then consider designating and licensing the successful bidder as a regulated “infrastructure provider”. This competitive tendering process should ultimately help ensure better value for money for customers.
Responding to this consultation
Interested parties are invited to comment on our proposed decision by 5pm on 14 May 2026.
Responses can be emailed to [email protected] or by post to: Major Projects Team, Ofwat, Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA.
What happens next
We will consider carefully responses to this consultation before making a final decision.A final decision on issuing the notices and specifying the reservoir is expected by August 2026.