Regional Water Resources Plan
WRE’s region
Eastern England is classified as severely water stressed, yet demand for water is growing with one of the highest rates of new housing development in the country. Unless urgent action is taken, the region will face severe water shortages.
We are working in partnership with all the major water-using sectors in the region to safeguard a sustainable supply of water for Eastern England, resilient to future challenges and enabling communities, the regional economy and the natural environment to reach their full potential.
Significant drought risk
Driest region of the UK receiving only two thirds of average national rainfall
Internationally recognised environment
A globally significant number of chalk rivers and the UK’s largest extent of lowland peat
A growing regional economy
Home to three of the UK’s five fastest-growing cities
Fast growing population
Expecting the regional population to grow by 1.4 million people by 2050
Important connections for navigation
Over 600 miles of navigable waterways and the largest lowland drainage network in the country
Major agricultural producer
Home to the majority of England’s most fertile soil, with farmers managing over 75% of land in the region
Centers of academic excellence
Home to many of the UK’s leading academic institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia, and Cranfield University