South East Water has published its draft Water Resources Management Plan setting out how it will provide a reliable and resilient supply of drinking water between 2025 and 2075 while protecting the local environment.
South East Water, which has 2.3 million customers in parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, has already consulted with a record number of stakeholders, customers and communities while creating the plan.
Included is an outline on of how the company intends to invest £2.2 billion building a range of new infrastructure and a further £2.1 billion reducing leaks and customer water use.
This is one of six draft plans that have been produced by water companies across the south east alongside one by regional organisation Water Resources South East which combines them all.
Suggested projects across South East Water’s region include:
- Leak reduction and water efficiency activities
- New pipelines to increase the amount of water that moves between water companies and also within its supply area
Additionally in Kent:
- New reservoir at Broad Oak near Canterbury
- A desalination plant at Reculver
Additionally In East Sussex:
- Water recycling between Peacehaven Wastewater Treatment Plant and Arlington
- A new reservoir in East Sussex, a second reservoir at the company’s preferred location of Arlington or Broyle Place.
Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources said:
“Our ability to supply water is under increasing pressure due to a growing population, changing climate and new laws to protect the environment.
“We’ve worked hard to create a regional solution which strikes a delicate balance between those pressures, while also protecting and enhancing the environment and adding value to society.
“These plans are very much long term and have taken into account the recent extreme weather we have experienced and the subsequent changing pattern we have seen in demand for water.
It is also ambitious and wide-ranging and has been guided by extensive research, detailed data, customer involvement, and engagement with stakeholders and other interested parties.”
Customers can look at the draft plan in full on South East Water’s website and they will also have an opportunity to discuss the contents at a series of online and in-person events to be held across its region. These start with a webinar on 22 November.
Click here to download the plan in full
Click here to access the plan documents and online consultation
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