What is the Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage project?
East Anglia is one of the driest regions in the UK. The Environment Agency has classified this area as a ‘Seriously Water Stressed Area’, highlighting the significant challenges the region faces.
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.
The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage (SWRTS) project by Essex & Suffolk Water is investing over £1.5 billion in the next five years as part of its Water Resources Management Plan.
The proposed scheme includes a new water recycling scheme at Lowestoft and a strategic network of pipelines and reservoirs in Suffolk. It will provide the region with a reliable supply of high-quality water over the next 20-30 years. The project will also help create alternative sources of water and reduce the extraction of water from sensitive ecosystems.
- 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 is currently in pre-application stage – non-statutory consultation took place in Winter 2025. Here is the report which was published on May 11th 2026.
The developer is currently reviewing all feedback, alongside findings from ongoing technical and environmental studies. Statutory consultation expected in 2027and will include further detail on the long sea outfall from the Advanced Water Recycling Plant.
For more information about the NSIPs planning process, and when you need to be involved, download our ‘Getting to Grips with NSIPs’ guide.
For more information about the NSIPs planning process, and when you need to be involved, download the ‘Getting to Grips with NSIPs’ guide.
While waiting for statutory consultation to begin, continue to gather feedback from the community and plan for increased engagement when the consultation opens in 2027. Consider how to engage with people you have previously struggled to reach, e.g. families, young people, and people from low socio-economic backgrounds. You will need to be proactive in looking for routes to these communities – now is an excellent time to start planning new methods.
By signing up for alerts from the project website or PINS (links below) you will be told when statutory consultation opens.
Not yet released.
For more guidance on community engagement contact engagement@suffolk-alc.gov.uk or subscribe to the quarterly NSIPs newsletter.