Public Consultation Opens for Major Suffolk Water Infrastructure Project

Essex & Suffolk Water is inviting people to have their say on a major infrastructure project that will improve water supply in Suffolk.

The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage Project is a major initiative to secure future water supplies while protecting nature and promoting sustainability.

This project will deliver long-term water resilience across the region, ensuring reliable water supplies for generations to come and is part of a wider £1.5 billion investment in water projects across the operating area of Essex & Suffolk Water.

Suffolk has been identified by the Environment Agency as a "Seriously Water Stressed Area," facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, and rising demand. Essex & Suffolk Water needs to contribute and take action to ensure we build resilience to provide long-term water security for the region and includes:

• A new Advanced Water Recycling Plant near Lowestoft. This will clean and re-use recycled water from Anglian Water's existing Lowestoft Water Recycling Centre, supporting river flows and making more water available.
• New water pipelines. These will connect different areas, making it easier to move water around during dry spells.
• Two new drinking water reservoirs, one close to the existing Lodgewood Water Tower near Sibton and one near Eye airfield. These reservoirs will store water for use during hot, dry periods when demand is high.

These developments will support the region, particularly the Hartismere Water Resource Zone, which includes Eye and surrounding villages where a temporary moratorium on new non-domestic water supplies is currently in place.

Monisha Gower, Asset Management Director from Essex & Suffolk Water said: "This project marks a major step forward in securing water for future generations in Suffolk. By delivering innovative infrastructure and inviting local voices into the planning process, we're building a resilient, sustainable water network that meets the needs of our communities and protects our environment for generations to come."

Essex & Suffolk Water is inviting customers, businesses, and stakeholders across Suffolk to take part in a six-week public consultation running from Wednesday 29 October 2025 to Wednesday 10 December 2025. A series of eight drop-in sessions will be held at locations near the proposed project sites, where attendees can view project details and speak directly with members of the project team. Essex & Suffolk Water is seeking feedback on:

• The proposed location for the Advanced Water Recycling Plant.
• Potential corridors we have identified for the pipelines that will transfer water around the region.
• Proposed sites for new service reservoirs.

Your views will directly influence how the project develops and reflects the needs and priorities of local communities. This is the early consultation phase of this nationally significant project. This stage focuses on gathering public and stakeholder feedback before finalising proposals.

Following this consultation, a preferred pipeline route and infrastructure locations will be shared towards the end of 2026 with a further consultation in 2027. Alongside this consultation, environmental studies and landowner engagement will be continuing, to ensure the project is delivered responsibly and sustainably.

How to Have Your Say

Attend one of the eight drop-in events, details available at www.suffolkwaternetwork.co.uk where you can also submit your feedback.

All feedback received before 11:59 pm on Wednesday 10 December 2025 will be considered.