Ardleigh Reservoir

The South Essex Waterworks Company, the Southend Waterworks Company and several other water undertakings in Essex sought powers in 1969 to increase the security of the supply of drinking water. A draft Water Order was made and a public inquiry was held in December 1969. The Essex River and South Essex Water Act 1969 received Royal Assent on 25 July 1969. Under the terms of the Act the Essex River Authority constructed the Cattawade Barrage Works to prevent salt water entering the lower reaches of the River Stour. The South Essex Waterworks Company built a water intake upstream of the barrage, a pumping station at Brantham, and a pipeline to the new Ardleigh reservoir. The South Essex…