Published: 6 March 2026
We are preparing to launch our first public consultation as part of the Reservoir Safety Reform Programme. Further information about the programme can be found here: Reservoir Safety Reform Programme | Engage Environment Agency
The recommendations set out in the Independent Reservoir Safety Review Report are significant and technically complex. It has therefore taken time to develop these into clear, robust policy proposals. We are now progressing through the formal approval stages ahead of publication.
The programme will move forward in two key phases:
- Proposal Development – identifying the changes needed to improve the regulation of reservoir safety. This will be the focus of the forthcoming public consultation.
- Implementation – determining how any agreed changes should be applied in practice.
We have identified a broad range of stakeholders who may be affected by, or have an interest in these proposals, including reservoir owners and operators, engineers, and communities living downstream of reservoirs. We greatly value the involvement of local councils and would like to ensure that the consultation reaches all these stakeholder groups, particularly those downstream of reservoirs.
Please could you help raise awareness of this information locally. If you are interested, or would like to stay informed about upcoming changes, we encourage you to register your interest using the link in the above mentioned website.