Essex & Suffolk Water, part of the Northumbrian Water Group, 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.

The nationally significant infrastructure 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.

The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage Project is made up of two key elements, the development of a new Advanced Water Recycling Plant (AWRP), capable of producing 11 million litres per day of purified recycled water, and strategic network enhancements that will support a more reliable and resilient water supply for the region.

The new AWRP will clean and re-use recycled water from Anglian Water’s existing Lowestoft Water Recycling Centre, supporting river flows and making more water available.

Other elements of the project include:

• 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. The reservoirs will store water for use during hot, dry periods when demand is high.

The 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 which began on 29 October and will run 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 the utility has identified for the pipelines that will transfer water around the region.
• Proposed sites for new service reservoirs.

This is the early consultation phase of this nationally significant project which is focused on gathering public and stakeholder feedback before finalising proposals. Views submitted to the consultation will directly influence how the project develops and reflects the needs and priorities of local communities. All feedback received before 11:59 pm on Wednesday 10 December 2025 will be considered.

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

Click here for more information about the project, the consultation and the the drop-in sessions.