That's why we're investing heavily now to help keep taps running long into the future, while also exploring how we can use water more efficiently, make better use of existing water supplies, and access new sources of water where needed. We’re also committed to reducing the amount of water we take from sensitive sources such as chalk streams and wetlands. Seawater desalination helps us achieve this, as it takes water from the sea instead.

New water sources

We’re progressing plans for two new reservoirs. One in Lincolnshire, and another in the Cambridgeshire Fens, in partnership with Cambridge Water.

Building our biggest strategic pipeline

Construction of our strategic pipeline (known as the Strategic Pipeline Alliance, SPA) aims to create a new network of interconnecting pipelines to take water from wetter to drier parts of our region, where it’s needed.

Advanced water recycling

Plans are underway in Colchester, one of region’s driest areas, for a new advanced water recycling centre that will use an enhanced treatment process to treat recycled water from our existing facility in Colchester to an even higher standard.

Tackling leakage

We’re continuing to replace old water pipes with new ones to prevent and reduce leakage. We’ve also installed over 1.4 million smart meters across our region - helping us to identify and fix leaks.

Improving efficiency

We’re continuing to work on improving water efficiency, including raising awareness and encouraging more efficient water use.

How desalination works.

Seawater desalination describes a process whereby salt and other impurities are removed from seawater so it can be further processed to create water suitable for drinking.

For both projects, an intake pipe would gently draw water from the North Sea in to the desalination plant - a process known as abstraction. To safeguard wildlife and prevent large debris from entering the system, the intake will be fitted with protective filters.

Any larger materials and particles would be removed from the water first through screening and pre‑treatment before the water enters the reverse osmosis process.

Reverse osmosis works by forcing water through a membrane - similar to a very fine mesh - which removes salt and other impurities. The water is then conditioned by adding essential minerals, making it safe and suitable for drinking.

Desalination process

Click on the graphic below to find out more.

Benefits of seawater desalination

Our desalination plants are one of the ways we're building for better.  Proudly developing innovative ways to secure more water for the future.  Seawater desalination could help to:

• Provide greater long term water security for the region.
• Reduce pressure on inland rivers and sensitive ecosystems.
• Support homes and businesses as the area grows.
• Create skilled jobs and opportunities during construction and operation.

Our work to date

• We've appointed a technical partner with significant international experience to support the development of the desalination projects.  Incorporating their experience from developing successful desalination projects in other countries. This will ensure we benefit from examples of best practice around the world.
• We're currently exploring whether there are locations where a desalination plant could be suitable, if the idea is taken forward. This work is focused on understanding constraints and ruling out unsuitable areas.
• We're working closely with a range of regional and national organisations to help inform our thinking and make sure important issues and opportunities are identified early. This includes engaging with the Marine Management Organisation, Water Resources East, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Historic England, The Crown Estate and local authorities. Their expertise and local knowledge are helping to inform our early thinking on site suitability and ensure environmental, regulatory and community considerations are fully taken into account.
• We’re running a coastal monitoring sampling programme and collecting seawater samples to better understand the current sea water quality and how this might inform the treatment process. We are also undertaking desktop studies to better understand the coastal environment.

Further information:

Desalination explained - Ofwat

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EA position statement

Our team are on hand to answer your questions.

If you have any questions or would like further information email us at: AWDesal@anglianwater.co.uk.