Suffolk County is preparing for a long-term water shortage with plans for two new reservoirs and a major water recycling facility. The proposed £1.5 billion project, led by Essex & Suffolk Water, aims to secure water supplies for the region’s growing population and commercial needs. The urgency is underscored by the Environment Agency’s designation of Suffolk as a “Seriously Water Stressed Area,” where long-term water security is at risk.
The Growing Demand and Why It Matters
The core issue isn’t a current shortage, but future demand. According to Monisha Gower, Essex & Suffolk Water’s spokesperson, the company currently has enough water to meet existing needs. The problem arises from new commercial developments and businesses seeking connections to the water network.
This highlights a broader trend: rapid growth in water-intensive sectors (such as data centers, agriculture, and manufacturing) straining infrastructure in already dry regions. East Anglia is particularly vulnerable, having experienced its second driest March-May period since 1921. Without proactive measures, water scarcity could limit economic expansion and impact quality of life.
Project Details: Reservoirs, Recycling, and Pipelines
The project involves three key components:
- Two Partially Buried Reservoirs: One near Lodgewood Water Tower in Sibton (Saxmundham) and another near Eye airfield. These will store water for use during droughts.
- Water Recycling Plant: A facility near Lowestoft capable of producing 11 million liters (2.4 million gallons) of purified water daily. This recycled water would supplement natural sources.
- Extensive Pipeline Network: Approximately 50 miles (80km) of new pipelines will connect these facilities and improve distribution.
These reservoirs aren’t traditional surface-level structures. Burying them partially minimizes visual impact and reduces evaporation losses, making them more efficient in a dry climate.
Community Response and Next Steps
Initial feedback from the community, gathered during a seven-week consultation, has been “broadly supportive”. This suggests that residents recognize the necessity of the investment, even though large infrastructure projects often meet resistance.
The approval process is underway, with the potential for construction to begin shortly thereafter. If greenlit, the project will represent one of the largest water infrastructure upgrades in the East of England in decades.
“We need to carefully plan ahead to secure and maintain the existing supplies – and this project represents a major step forward for securing water for the future.” – Monisha Gower, Essex & Suffolk Water
The project is a clear signal that water security is no longer a theoretical concern but a pressing reality. Failure to invest in infrastructure now could lead to severe restrictions and economic setbacks in the years ahead.
