The UK government has announced transformative measures to modernise water infrastructure in and around Cambridge, addressing the region's critical water security needs.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed has revealed plans to unlock £7.9 billion of investment over the next five years, including the development of the Fens Reservoir. This initiative aims to alleviate the region's barriers to growth and secure a sustainable water supply in the face of climate change.
Without these measures, the East of England could face a daily water deficit of 600 million litres by 2050. The Fens Reservoir and the wider Strategic Pipeline network, spanning over 300km, are set to significantly enhance water resilience across the region. A key milestone of this investment includes Anglian Water's £794m supply upgrade, which allocates £154m for the Fens Reservoir.
Steve Reed, Environment Secretary, said:
“Water is the lifeblood of any thriving city, and securing a sustainable supply for Cambridge is essential to unlocking its full potential to contribute to our wider Plan for Change.
“This government is prioritising water infrastructure upgrades, with £104 billion of private-sector investment secured to fund nine new reservoirs nationwide – including the new Fens Reservoir.
“Cambridge is a key economic hub, and we’re backing its future by securing significant investment to ensure sustainable development while safeguarding its natural resources.”
The Environment Secretary's visit to Rede, Suffolk, highlighted Anglian Water's efforts, including a 7km pipeline and a new pumping station at Rede Reservoir. This forms part of a broader strategic push to safeguard water resources, with operations expected to complete by 2030.
This announcement caps the week-long "Things Can Only Get Cleaner" tour by Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Water Minister Emma Hardy, showcasing efforts to tackle water challenges and climate change. Initiatives include AI-led technologies to reduce sewage spills and innovative projects turning sewage sludge into green energy.
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