As concerns over water security continue to grow in the East, business leaders are calling for quicker action to ensure farmers can continue to produce much-needed home-grown food.
Last summer saw one of the worst droughts in recorded history here in East Anglia.
The record-breaking heat of 2022 was followed by months of unseasonably dry weather, resulting in dangerously low water levels at the region’s reservoirs.
The chaos of the past two years has thrown into sharp focus the urgent need to protect precious resources across Norfolk and Suffolk, both in the form of a coherent water management plan and public investment.
READ MORE: East Anglia drought risk forces farmers to switch crops
Experts predict that the region will face "severe water shortages" by 2050 unless urgent action is taken by all users and abstractors, with the entire region designated as "seriously water stressed".
James Palmer, chairman of Eastern Powerhouse, said he believes it's time for large water companies to step up.
He said: “Anglian Water is planning new reservoirs in the Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Fens and these will certainly add to water security.
“But large reservoirs, by their nature, take up many acres and can take many years to build.
“Additionally, why not build a network of small reservoirs on agricultural land adjacent to all those drains, dykes and rivers?
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“Farmers could be compensated for their land use and for overseeing the maintenance of these independent storage facilities which could be constructed at minimal impact to the environment and at minimal impact to the wider population.”
The calls have been backed by local councillors in the region, with Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig touting the positive impact this type of network would have on flooding.
She said: "Due to Norfolk’s location and geography our county has always been exposed to flooding and coastal erosion, but the impact of the series of storms that have hit the country this winter can leave no one in any doubt that these serious issues must be addressed."
Supercharge East is brought to you in association with the Eastern Daily Press and Greater Anglia.
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