Agenda item

(A discussion with Anglian Water Public Affairs Team)

The Committee received a detailed presentation from representatives of Anglian Water, including The Regional Engagement Advisor, the Regional Engagement Manager, and the Network Manager for the Grantham area. The briefing covered strategic priorities, infrastructure challenges, operational updates, and community engagement initiatives.

Members were informed that Anglian Water served the largest geographical area of any UK water company, covering regions from the Humber to Essex and Norfolk. The organisation currently employed 6,000 staff directly and a further 3,000 through its supply chain, with plans to recruit an additional 7,000 employees by 2030 to support its next business plan (AMP8: 2025–2030).

The Committee was advised of several key challenges facing the company:

Climate Change: The East of England was particularly vulnerable, with nearly one-third of the region below sea level. The year 2023 was recorded as the wettest on record, placing strain on infrastructure.

Population Growth: The region was home to four of the UK’s fastest-growing cities (Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Peterborough and Northampton with an expected increase of 700,000 residents over the next 20 years.

Planning Constraints: Anglian Water was not a statutory consultee in planning applications, despite having to accommodate developments with automatic rights to connect to its network.

The Committee received an overview of the legacy sewer systems and the challenges posed by combined rainwater and wastewater networks. Members were informed that all storm overflows were permitted by the Environment Agency and fitted with event duration monitors (EDMs). Data from 22,000 monitors was used to target investment and operational responses. In Boston Borough, 13 storm overflows were monitored, with lower discharge figures this year due to dry weather.

Anglian Water had committed to:

·       Reducing storm overflow permits by 17% by 2030.

·       Ensuring no overflow discharges more than 10 times per year by 2050.

·       Investing £1 billion in monitoring and infrastructure improvements, including UV antibacterial treatment and nature-based solutions.

The Committee was informed that 80% of sewer blockages were caused by avoidable items such as wet wipes, sanitary products, and fats/oils. Anglian Water cleared approximately 35,000 blockages annually and had launched a public campaign promoting the “3Ps” (pee, poo, paper) to encourage responsible flushing.

Members were invited to support the campaign by sharing educational materials, and Anglian Water agreed to provide translated resources to reflect Boston’s diverse population.

The Regional Engagement Manager reported that Summer 2025 was one of the hottest in decades, resulting in increased demand and reduced water pressure in Boston. The area’s ageing infrastructure, including narrow mains and vulnerable pipework, had contributed to frequent burst mains and service disruptions.

Anglian Water was planning to:

·       Replace 1,134km of mains over the next five years.

·       Install a 4.5km reinforcement main to improve supply resilience.

·       Prioritise replacement in areas identified through community feedback.

The Committee received an update on the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir, located between Grantham and Boston. The reservoir was expected to

serve 500,000 homes, reduce demand on sensitive water environments, and enter supply by 2039, subject to planning and consultation.

Anglian Water confirmed that further public consultation would take place in Spring 2026, with a statutory pre-application consultation scheduled for 2027.

The Committee was briefed on Anglian Water’s engagement with DEFRA and its efforts to promote water-smart communities, including non-potable toilet retrofits, developer incentive schemes, and integrated water management standards.

During the discussion, Members raised several queries and observations relating to Anglian Water’s operations and plans for the future.

Clarification was sought on the financial implications of the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir. It was confirmed that the estimated cost of the project was between £3–4 billion, to be funded through a combination of long-term customer billing and shareholder investment.

Concerns were expressed regarding the impact of water supply constraints on local economic growth and the absence of statutory consultee status for Anglian Water in the planning process. The company acknowledged these concerns and confirmed ongoing lobbying efforts to secure formal recognition within planning frameworks. It was agreed that data would be provided on developments in Boston affected by supply limitations.

Further information was requested on coordination with National Grid and engagement with landowners in relation to infrastructure projects. Anglian Water confirmed that compensation processes were in place and that proactive communication was undertaken with affected parties.

Issues relating to sinkholes in the vicinity of Haven High School were raised, with a request for details on response times. It was confirmed that local technicians were deployed according to prioritisation protocols to ensure timely intervention.

Questions were also asked about water fluoridation and the company’s financial stability. Anglian Water advised that fluoridation was a matter for local authorities (more information was available on the Anglian Water Website:  https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/drinking-water-advice/fluoride/).

The Regional Engagement Manager reassured Members that Anglian Water had a stable financial position.

The company reiterated its commitment to providing follow-up data on developments impacted by water supply constraints and to continuing engagement with local authorities and stakeholders.

Resolved

1.     That the update be noted;

2.     That Anglian Water provide further data on water supply constraints affecting development in Boston;

3.     That the Committee support the public education campaign and request translated materials; and

4.     That future engagement with Anglian Water be considered to monitor progress on infrastructure and planning matters.

[The meeting was paused for a brief recess between 7.53pm and 7.56pm.]

[Councillors Emma Cresswell and Anne Dorian left the meeting at 7.54pm, following consideration of the above item.]