What is BDS?

CIWEM Lunchtime Webinar: Bewl Reservoir Drawdown Project

CIWEM’s South Eastern Branch is hosting a free webinar on 9 July 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00, covering the Bewl Reservoir Drawdown Project in Kent. Speakers from Southern Water, CMDP+ and Stantec will present the drivers, design challenges, and delivery of the scheme, including the installation of three large siphon pipes that enable the reservoir level to be reduced by up to 5 m within five days. The webinar will also explore how dam safety, emergency response and environmental enhancements were integrated within the project. 

For further information, please refer to the webinar link. 

Registration Open: BDS 23rd Biennial Conference

Registration is now open for the BDS 23rd Biennial Conference, taking place at Keele University from 9 to 12 September 2026. With the theme “The Reservoirs Act: Past, Present and Future”, the programme will include technical sessions, workshops, site visits, networking events and the Binnie Lecture. Members are encouraged to register early. A number of exhibitor spaces are still available. 

For further information and to register, please refer to the link. 

Expression of Interest: UK Representative on ICOLD Technical Committee S – Flood Evaluation and Dam Safety

BDS is seeking expressions of interest from members who would be willing to serve as the UK representative on ICOLD Technical Committee S – Flood Evaluation and Dam Safety. The representative will contribute to the Committee’s technical activities and discussions, provide relevant expertise and experience, and report key developments back to BDS as appropriate. Members interested in the role are invited to submit a brief expression of interest outlining their relevant experience in flood evaluation and dam safety to Anthea Peters. 

BDS Site Visit to Slaithwaite Reservoir – 16 September 2026

The BDS and the Canal & River Trust are organising a technical site visit to Slaithwaite Reservoir on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The visit will include a project briefing and guided walkover of the major spillway improvement works currently under construction. The event will run from 10:00 to 14:00. Attendees must bring full PPE. To register, contact Kamila.Etienne@canalrivertrust.org.uk and Grant.Maconachie@canalrivertrust.org.uk. 

For more information, see the link, and the flyer. 

Next BDS Evening Event: Update on New Reservoirs from Water Companies

The next BDS evening event will be on 16 November 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30, at the Godfrey Mitchell Theatre, ICE, One Great George Street, London. The session will provide an update from water companies on proposed new reservoir developments and associated industry progress. The meeting can also be attended online and via one of our regional hubs. Follow this link for more information.