MP raises a glass to Anglian Water’s new water main network

Water is now flowing through the first section of a new network of pipelines longer than the M6, with a Norfolk MP raising a celebratory glass filled with fresh, clean water from one of Anglian Water’s newly commissioned water mains.  

George Freeman MP, who represents the Mid Norfolk constituency, joined staff from the water company at its High Oak water treatment works, near Wymondham, to mark the occasion – and even poured himself a glass of water direct from the new main.

The new 12.5km pipeline, which is now live and supplying water to homes in the area, begins at Little Melton and ends at the High Oak reservoir, near Wymondham.

It is part of a massive project to future-proof the region, which is one of the driest and flattest in the UK, making it particularly vulnerable to extreme weather – including drought – as a result of climate change.

This summer was the East of England’s driest since 1976. Despite some rain in September, the region is now at a deficit of over two months’ worth of rain. More rainfall than normal for this time of year is now needed, for at least the next three months, to see conditions return to normal.

The combined effects of climate change and high population growth in the region means that, without action, the East of England could run out of water as soon as 2030.

Hundreds of kilometres of interconnecting pipes, at a cost of £400 million, are being built so water can be moved to areas where it’s needed most, helping to ensure the future prosperity of the area.

Mr Freeman said:

“It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to see the vital work carried out by Anglian Water. Without this work, communities in Norfolk, and across the east of England, simply would not have enough water to thrive – especially in times of drought. Strengthening our water network resilience through innovative ways, while protecting our environment and surrounding communities, is key – and I look forward to supporting further such schemes being pioneered by Anglian Water, as well as to continuing the work being done to tackle flooding in the typically wetter winter months.”

The mammoth project is part of Anglian’s Water Resources Management Plan, which looks 25 years ahead to make the East resilient to drought and is one of the biggest infrastructure schemes in the UK, aimed at supporting the region’s economy and population, which are among the fastest growing in the UK.

Without taking this action, the East of England would face a water deficit of 30 million litres a day by 2025 due to the combined impact of a rapidly growing population, climate change, and being located in the most water-scarce part of the UK. That’s a shortfall of 4,380 Olympic swimming pools of water, every year.

Ian Rule, Director of Water Services for Anglian Water said:

“The new pipelines – including the section between Norwich and Wymondham – will allow water to be moved to areas where it is needed most, while also strengthening local resilience by reducing the number of homes and businesses which rely on a single water source.

“They are vital in addressing the predicted ‘jaws of death’ moment for water availability in the East of England – the point at which demand for water greatly outstrips the available supply.

“With 175,000 new homes to be built in the next few years, making the region one of the fastest-growing in the UK, it is vital we ensure we have resilient infrastructure in place.”

The new Norfolk pipeline was built using smart engineering and cutting-edge technology, including an innovative method which meant about 80 per cent less water was needed to test and clean it.

The entire network is expected to go into service in 2025.