Water shortages hampering infrastructure and business growth in Norfolk and Suffolk

Declining levels of water are just one of the common infrastructure challenges faced by the two neighbouring counties which are critical to unlocking business growth, enhancing productivity, and supporting resilience.  

Norfolk and Suffolk are experiencing significant constraints in power, water, transport, and digital connectivity, all of which is having an impact on the ability of businesses to scale, attract investment, and remain competitive. A Local Area Energy Plan is being developed by the two county councils to examine this and the interdependencies of water.  

The whole of Eastern England is classified as 'seriously water stressed' by the Environment Agency, yet the demand for water is growing with one of the highest rates of new housing development in the country. 

Regional demand for water is 2,132m litres a day (2025 baseline) and is forecast to rise to 2,538m litres by 2050. However, the amount of available water is expected to fall to 1,700m litres per day by 2050 due to climate change, a need to increase draught resilience and environmental constraints on water abstraction.  

Norfolk and Suffolk Business Boards held a joint meeting on Wednesday 26 February at Norwich City Football Club to discuss how to amplify their collective influence to shape shared priorities, secure investment and drive economic growth.  

Breakout sessions for members focused on identifying shared priorities where joint working can have the greatest impact for Norfolk and Suffolk economies, while also securing greater recognition of the area's economic strengths and key sectors at a national and global level. 

Five priorities have been identified by the boards: infrastructure; talent development; business support and innovation; tech convergence, and joint growth opportunities. 

Chris Starkie, Director of Growth and Investment for Norfolk County Council told the meeting: "East Anglia is one of the driest areas in the UK and the increasing effects of climate change will continue to impact future water supply. Improving water quality is also a major priority. We need to adapt to climate change and invest in increasing water availability and quality, as well as reduce our demand for water through water efficiency measures. Flood resilience and flood water management is also going to be continuing to grow in importance." 

The Humber Doucy Brewery in Bacton, near Stowmarket, said recently it was being prevented from growing due to a ban on new non-domestic supplies in the Hartismere Water Resource Zone, around Eye. The restriction has been put in place until 2033. 

Alan Ridealgh, Humber Doucy Brewing Co.'s co-founder said: "We all know that water is a precious resource, but blanket bans are not the answer. They will severely stifle growth in the food, drink and hospitality sector and the broader economy in Suffolk. Collaboration and consultation are the way forward. By working together, we can manage this situation." 

Published: 18 March 2025