New reservoirs face significant construction barriers

Drought leads to calls for more reservoirs to protect supplies but experts say there are barriers.

Barriers hinder new reservoir construction

Experts argue that building new reservoirs is essential due to increasing water demand and climate challenges. However, they face significant hurdles. Dr. Grecksch mentions the importance of public involvement in planning, as past projects have shown risks when communities are bypassed. The construction process is often regulated, needing acts of Parliament for safety, which complicates and slows down efforts. Historically, the Tryweryn reservoir incident illustrates the consequences of neglecting community input; a Welsh village was flooded, displacing many residents. Areas most suitable for reservoirs are often remote and costly to develop, creating additional financial challenges. Despite previous successful water distribution efforts, significant new reservoir projects remain stalled.

The reluctance to move forward with new reservoirs may stem from both regulatory challenges and public sentiment. As climate change intensifies droughts, the need for reliable water resources grows. However, past controversies, like the flooding of Capel Celyn, have made communities wary of such developments. Authorities must find a better way to balance infrastructure needs with community voices to gain public trust. Without this, we risk further exacerbating water shortages as demand continues to rise.

Highlights

Resolving these challenges will require innovative solutions and community engagement.