New water plant and reservoirs proposed for county

Essex & Suffolk Water wants to build two new reservoirs in Suffolk to help with supply

People are being asked to share their thoughts on major plans to secure a county's water supply.

The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage Project has been proposed by Essex & Suffolk Water, and includes plans for a new water recycling plant, drinking water reservoirs and pipelines.

The Environment Agency classifies Suffolk as a "seriously water stressed" area as climate change, population growth and rising demand put pressure on resources.

Monisha Gower, asset management director at the water firm, said the project would protect the environment "for generations to come".

A six-week public consultation is due to run until 10 December.

Essex & Suffolk Water published a map detailing its plans for the project

Essex & Suffolk Water said the advanced water recycling plant would be located near Lowestoft and be capable of producing 11 million litres (2,419,659 gallons) of purified recycled water.

Two new drinking water storage reservoirs would also be created, with one being in the central part of the county close to Lodgewood Water Tower near Sibton, and one to the west near Eye airfield.

The water company also wants to construct more than 49 miles (80km) of new pipelines.

The plans form part of a wider £1.5bn investment over the next five years in water projects.

"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," Ms Gower said.

Businesses in the county were previously told by the water company to not use any more water than they consumed last year, due to pressure on supplies.

The policy is due to last until 2033 and some businesses, such as brewers, described it as "devastating" and "hugely concerning".