What we are consulting on:
We are consulting on the following:
- The proposed locations for the Advanced Water Recycling Plant close to Lowestoft.
- The proposed pipeline corridors we have identified for the pipeline route that will transfer treated wastewater to the Advanced Water Recycling Plant, and then from there purified recycled water to be transferred to the River Waveney.
- The proposed pipeline corridors we have identified for the pipeline routes to transfer drinking water from Barsham Water Treatment Works to the proposed and existing infrastructure.
- The proposed site locations for the two service reservoirs.
These are the key elements of the Project, and we’re keen to hear what you think about them. You can do this by completing our feedback form. This, and other Project material, can be viewed in the document library.
What stage are we at?
We are taking a careful, step-by-step approach to planning the new infrastructure. Here is how the process works:
- Stage 1 - Exploring Options: We begin by identifying the study area and drawing up potential pipeline options that connect our existing infrastructure to the proposed new infrastructure and look at possible locations for any above-ground infrastructure (Service Reservoirs and Advanced Water Recycling Plant).
- Stage 2 - Assessing the options: Each pipeline option and potential land parcel for the above ground infrastructure (Service Reservoirs and Advanced Water Recycling Plant) is reviewed from multiple perspectives including environmental, engineering, planning, and land considerations to understand its suitability and potential impacts.
- Stage 3 - Choosing preferred locations: Based on our assessments, we identify the pipeline options and the land parcels for above-ground infrastructure that perform well against the environmental, engineering, planning, and land assessments.
- Stage 4 - Finalising the design: We refine the design to make the best use of land and minimise the impacts. At this stage, we will submit our application for a Development Consent Order.
These 4 stages of developing the Project will be applied to the site selection for the Service Reservoirs, the Advanced Water Recycling Plant and for the pipeline corridors.
We are currently at the end of our Stage 2 assessments and would like your feedback to help inform Stage 3. A further consultation after Stage 3 is proposed, which will aid in preparing the proposal for Stage 4 (DCO submission).
Next steps
Once this consultation ends, we will carefully review all the feedback we have received, alongside findings from our ongoing technical and environmental studies.
This will help us refine our proposals ahead of a further consultation in 2027, where we’ll share a preferred pipeline route, the preferred site of our above ground infrastructure and other key elements of the Project.
We’ll also begin identifying potential construction areas, such as access routes and construction working compounds. Throughout this process, we’ll continue engaging with stakeholders and local communities to help shape the project together.
FAQS
Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage (SWRTS) – Customer Q&A.
The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage (SWRTS) Project is part of our long-term plan to secure reliable water supplies for Suffolk. It includes a new Advanced Water Recycling Plant in Lowestoft, new pipelines to move water where it’s needed, and two new storage reservoirs near Sibton Green and Eye.
Together, these improvements will make sure we can continue to supply clean drinking water to homes and businesses even during periods of drought or higher demand.
Some parts of Suffolk already face water shortages, and new supplies for businesses are being limited. The SWRTS Project will create a more resilient and sustainable water supply, helping to support local growth while protecting the environment.
It also supports our Water Resource Management Plan 2024 and the wider regional strategy led by Water Resources East.
The Project is being delivered by Essex & Suffolk Water working with experienced supply-chain partners. It will be funded through customer bills, as all customers will benefit from the improved water security it provides. We work closely with our regulator, Ofwat, to make sure it remains the best-value option.
Instead of the usual planning permission process, large infrastructure projects like this one require a Development Consent Order (DCO) to proceed. This process is managed by the Planning Inspectorate and ensures that environmental, technical, and community considerations are properly assessed before work can begin. We’ll consult widely with local people, councils, and stakeholders before submitting our DCO application in 2028, so everyone has the chance to share their views.
We plan to apply for permission (a Development Consent Order) in 2028. Construction could begin in 2030, with the new infrastructure expected to be in use by 2032.
Pipelines will be buried underground within proposed corridors connecting Lowestoft, Barsham, Sibton Green, Eye, and Saxmundham. We are consulting on these corridors now, and local feedback will help shape the final routes.
Most pipes will be installed using open-cut excavation: digging a trench, laying the pipe, and reinstating the land. Where roads, railways or rivers are crossed, trenchless methods such as tunnelling may be used to minimise disruption.
You may notice some temporary noise, dust or traffic, but we’ll use modern equipment and best-practice methods to reduce these as much as possible. We’ll also monitor conditions closely and keep local communities informed.
Your water supply will not usually be affected. If short-term work ever requires a brief interruption, we’ll let affected customers know in advance.
Water recycling uses advanced treatment technology to turn highly treated wastewater into purified recycled water. This water passes through several treatment stages, including filtration and reverse osmosis, before being safely released into the environment.
At Lowestoft, treated wastewater from the existing Corton Water Recycling Centre will go to the new Advanced Water Recycling Plant, where it will be purified. The recycled water will then travel to the River Waveney, mix with natural river water, and later be treated again at Barsham Water Treatment Works before entering the drinking water network.
Yes. The recycled water goes through multiple treatment stages and meets strict standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. After additional treatment at Barsham, it will be completely safe to drink.
Water recycling is already used safely around the world, including in Australia, Singapore, the USA, and Belgium. We also have an existing Advanced Water Recycling Plant at Langford.
In addition, The Environment Agency (EA) recognises the need for water recycling as part of a diverse range of supply and demand options to secure resilient water supplies for the future. EA’s position statement can be found here.
In the UK, we use a process called Indirect Potable Water Reuse, where purified recycled water is first blended with natural water in a river, reservoir, or aquifer before being treated again for drinking. This adds an environmental “buffer” and provides extra assurance of safety.
We are designing the Project to avoid sensitive habitats and heritage sites wherever possible. All discharges from the recycling plant will meet strict Environment Agency standards, ensuring that nutrient levels (such as ammonia and phosphorus) are kept very low to protect the River Waveney.
We’re also working with organisations such as Historic England to safeguard cultural and historical assets.
The plant may be partly visible in some areas, but we’ll include screening and landscaping so it blends into the surroundings. The final design will follow national planning guidance to minimise visual impact.
We’re working with local schools and colleges to share knowledge about water treatment, and we’ll create jobs and training opportunities during construction.
We also aim to spend more than 60p of every £1 with local suppliers, supporting Suffolk’s economy and leaving a positive legacy for local communities.
Water recycling requires more energy than traditional water abstraction because of the extra treatment steps. However, it’s a key part of reducing pressure on rivers and groundwater.
We’ll use renewable energy where possible and continue to align with the UK’s wider move toward a low-carbon electricity system.
If your land is within a proposed pipeline corridor, or within a certain distance of one, we’ll contact you directly.
Our Land Team and partners at Savills will discuss access for surveys, land agreements, and reinstatement in detail with you or your agent.
Before any work begins, you’ll receive full information about:
- What surveys are needed (ecological, archaeological, or engineering)
- How we’ll manage access and reinstatement of land, drains, fencing, and planting
- How to raise questions or concerns during construction
We’ll agree field-by-field reinstatement plans before any work starts.