Overview
When combined with factors such as climate change, population growth, and rising demand for water, the pressure to secure water resources has never been greater. As part of our Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP24), we have examined the likely impacts this assessment could have on our ability to meet water demand over the next two decades and beyond.
Making sure we have reliable supplies of water into the future and making sure that high quality water is delivered to customers’ homes when they want it is a critical part of our service.
That is why we’re investing over £1.5 billion in the next five years as part of our WRMP24. This ambitious initiative aims to ensure long-term water resilience across the region. The infrastructure we develop as part of this plan will create a more agile, fit-for-purpose water network capable of meeting the region’s ever-growing needs.
The WRMP24 includes our water recycling proposals at Lowestoft and our strategic network enhancements in the region. These collectively we refer to as Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage. The Project has the potential to ensure the region has long-term water security and will provide:
- Advanced Water Recycling Plant: Located near Lowestoft, the facility will treat and reuse wastewater, supporting river flows and increasing water availability.
- New Drinking Water Storage Reservoirs: To manage seasonal demands and ensure supply during dry periods. Also known as service reservoirs.
- Strategic Drinking Water Pipelines: To improve interconnectivity between water resource zones, enhancing operational flexibility and drought resilience.
- Regulatory compliance and alignment: To national and regional water strategies, including the National Framework and Water Resources East.
The Project will improve connectivity, which will help us meet the expected demand driven by the region’s projected population increase and economic growth over the next two to three decades.
It also provides environmental benefits. The Project will help us create alternative sources of water and reduce the extraction of water from sensitive ecosystems.
In addition, it will adhere to statutory drinking water quality standards, incorporate robust risk assessments, and have been approved by Essex & Suffolk Water’s Board. It will also be developed in close consultation with regulators and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and legal compliance throughout its delivery.
We are currently operating a moratorium, a temporary ban on new domestic supplies in the Hartismere water resource zone, which includes the town of Eye and surrounding villages. The moratorium has been put in place due to the lack of available water and is anticipated to be lifted in approximately 2032-33 when this Project will be completed.
