Essex & Suffolk Water biggest ever upgrade set to transform the region

Essex & Suffolk Water is embarking on the biggest package of upgrades in its history, with a bold plan to enhance the environment, strengthen the essential water network and support communities in Essex and Suffolk.

The water company, which serves over 1.8 million people across the region with reliable, high-quality water services 24/7, is investing £1bn over five years (2025 – 2030). Its investment plans will mean a reliable and resilient water supply now and for generations to come.

Work is already underway, with a number of projects in progress across the region, tackling everything from replacing aging water mains to improving treatment works.

These investments are already improving things customers asked the water company to invest in, including enhancing the environment and strengthening resilience for homes and businesses. Some of these projects include:

• Layer de la Haye, Essex – a £30m upgrade at Layer de la Haye Water Treatment Works to improve drinking water quality and resilience for around 370,000 customers is due for completion in summer 2026. Work includes installing the UK’s first large-scale Mecana filtration system and a new sand washing facility, delivering energy and carbon savings.
• Barsham, Suffolk – a £52.1 investment to be completed in summer 2026. A new treated water reservoir and pumping station will provide improvements to the resilience and quality of drinking water for around 75,000 customers. On land next to the existing treatment works, a new underground reservoir is being built, capable of holding 20 million litres of treated water, ready for supply to customers across a wide geographic area, including the towns of Beccles, Bungay, Lowestoft and Southwold.

More than 350 projects are planned across the region over the five years and also include:

• Langford Water Treatment Works – £80m of investment between now and 2030 improve the resilience and quality of water supplies for customers in Essex. The investment will enhance the treatment processes, helping to mitigate the impact of climate change, while also protecting the environment from over abstraction.
• The Suffolk Water Recycling, Transfer and Storage Project – a major initiative to secure future water supplies while protecting nature and promoting sustainability. The project will deliver long-term water resilience for the region through the development of a new Advanced Water Recycling Plant, new water pipelines and two new drinking water reservoirs.

Essex & Suffolk Water’s five-year plan will boost the region’s economy by £1.7bn, supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses.

And for every pound spent as part of the work, 60p of it will stay in the region, creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

This investment means communities can expect more reliable water supplies during heatwaves and cold winters, as well as environmental enhancements.

To fund these improvements, Essex & Suffolk Water shareholders are increasing their investment in the region. Alongside this, customers will see a change to their bills from April 2026 to help continue funding this essential work.

The expected increase is around 4.7%, equivalent to £15 per year for the average household.

The easiest way for customers to manage their bills, and to see how the changes will impact them, is by signing up for an online account.

The company knows any increase can be worrying and is providing extensive support for customers who need help.

It’s put together a £100m support package over the five years, which includes £20m of shareholder investment, to help customers who are struggling with their bills. This includes low-income discounts, payment breaks, flexible payment plans and access to free, independent debt advice.

Last year, Essex & Suffolk Water helped over 50,000 customers who were struggling and is ready to do even more this year.

Louise Hunter, Customer Director at Essex & Suffolk Water, said:

“This is the biggest investment we’ve ever made, and it’s all about protecting water supplies and the environment for us now, and for future generations, here in the Essex and Suffolk regions.

“We’re already starting to see real improvements, and there’s lots more planned – projects that will strengthen our networks, and make sure we have a water supply that’s ready for the future.

“We know that any increase in bills is a worry, and we don’t take that lightly. That’s why we’ve got more than £100m worth of support available for customers, including discounts and payment breaks, to make sure help is there for anyone who needs it. If you’re concerned, please reach out and we’ll work with you to find the right solution.”

Customers who need financial support or want to explore their options can visit www.eswater.co.uk/bill-help.

For more information about Essex & Suffolk Water’s projects, visit www.eswater.co.uk/investmentplan

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29.01.2026