Anglian Water have recently completed essential upgrades in Watton and the surrounding area to enhance the local environment, build resilience against the rapidly changing climate, and support community growth.

Improvements included building a new storm tank, relining over 144km of sewer pipes to prevent bursts, and installing nearly 4km of new pipes to serve new homes.

The project was part of a larger programme of improvements that will increase the resilience across the East of England which is likely to see the impact of the climate emergency – like drought and flooding – more keenly than anywhere else in the UK.

Over £850,000 of the project focused on increasing the storm water storage at Anglian Water’s water recycling centre in Threxton Hill. The site now able to capture and hold over a million litres of rainwater to protect the environment during heavy rainfall.

By expanding the system's ability to manage heavy rain and storm events, it means the risk of untreated wastewater spills has been reduced, offering greater protection to watercourses in Watton and the surrounding area.

Over £600,000 was invested in surface water management in the area, including sewer relining in North Pickenham to stop rainwater entering the sewers through any cracks. This part of the project also included installing water butts and planters to selected customers. The water butts collect rainwater from rooftops, reducing runoff into sewers, lowering flood risks, and easing pressure on drainage systems.

Last year, Anglian Water released their Thriving East report which found that over 720,000 new residents will be moving to the East of England in the next two decades posing a risk to the region being able to thrive.

As well as improving the local environment, nearly 4km of sewer pipes have been laid to serve new homes in Watton to make sure taps are running and toilets are flushing for customers in years to come.