Northumbrian Water reveals plans for £16 million underground reservoir

The region’s water supplier has revealed its plans for a new £16 million underground reservoir that could supply water for up to 50,000 people.

Located in Springwell Village — between Sunderland and Gateshead — Northumbrian Water’s planning application outlines details of a new covered service reservoir that’s capable of storing over 62 million litres of water.

Set within a 16-acre greenfield site that is currently used for grazing, the new reservoir will be equivalent to around 12 football pitches in size.

Michael Baker, tactical planning manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “The area which will be fed by this new service reservoir includes Springwell, as well as the wider Wearside and South Tyneside areas.

“The service reservoir, which will consist of two reinforced concrete compartments would be covered with grass to fit in with the local environment, will help to ensure a resilient water supply, strengthening the existing network in the area.

“We are pleased to be in a position to submit our plans for this development which will help secure future supplies for our customers.”

At present, the majority of Sunderland and South Tyneside’s water supply comes via a 30km pipe from Mosswood Water Treatment Works, which is supplied by Derwent Reservoir.

This water is then stored closer to homes in smaller service reservoirs, such as the one they plan to build near Springwell.

The plans also include a new access road that would be built from Mount Lane, as well as a single storey building with parking, landscaping, and fencing.

Mr Baker added: “The reservoir will also strengthen and future-proof our existing network in the area enabling us to provide improved water supply resilience to the wider Wearside and South Tyneside areas, benefiting a further 480,000 customers.”