Policy paper: Kenwith Valley flood scheme

More than 250 properties were flooded along Kenwith Stream, with flood depths reaching 1.5 metres in some locations in 1979. This led to the construction of the Kenwith Flood Storage Reservoir by Torridge District Council in 1983, as part of the flood defence scheme. This was adopted by the National Rivers Authority (now Environment Agency) in 1989.

The reservoir overtopped in June 1993, following 26 hours of heavy rain and high tides. This flooded a significant number of residential properties in Bideford. The scheme was then reviewed and improved by raising the reservoir embankment to create more storage capacity.

Under the Reservoirs Act of 1975, reservoirs above 25,000m3 capacity undergo a statutory 10-year inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any requirements needed to maintain and improve the resilience of the structure. 

The latest inspection resulted in 7 mandatory and 5 non-mandatory requirements which the Environment Agency will deliver. These actions are being delivered under one project, split into three phases.

Completed in 2023, phase 1 included culvert joint replacement, site investigations and crest extension works. These investigations fed into phase 2 works. 

Design and construction of improvement measures to the culvert inlet structure, site drainage and dam controls as well as maintenance around the reservoir structures.

Some preparation work has been completed in 2024 and 2025, including:

There have been unforeseen delays in 2026, which have slowed progress to the inlet works structure.  Temporary piling has been completed, with permanent piling expected to commence in November 2026.

Work started in March 2026 on the new culvert inlet structure. The crest has been fenced off for the duration of this work.  Unforeseen delays have extended the programme for these works, which are now expected to complete in 2028.