Plans for the new service reservoir, to be built alongside Hodder Water Treatment Works will be unveiled today in a public exhibition. The new reservoir will be able to store 17 million litres of treated drinking water – enough to fill more than seven Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The scheme will involve excavating approximately 70,000 cubic metres of material to build the twin compartment service reservoir. 

Work is expected to start in September and should be completed by June 2009.

United Utilities project manager, David Dewar, said: “This work is essential to ensure that, if we have to shut down Hodder Water Treatment Works for any reason, we will be able to keep a supply of water available to these areas of Lancashire.”

The reservoir will be cut into the hillside and there will be additional planting around the area, while the walls will be clad in local stone. Plans have also been built around protecting trees and wildlife.

Dewar said: “We have been working closely with Lancashire County Council to reduce the environmental impact of the reservoir and it has been a great team effort”.