Anglian Water expects to shortlist potential Norfolk locations this year for a major desalination plant designed to secure future supplies.
Anglian Water says it expects to shortlist possible locations for a major new desalination plant on the Norfolk coast by the end of the year.
The proposed facility would take seawater from the North Sea and remove salt and other impurities so it can be added to drinking-water supplies.
Anglian Water says the project is part of its long-term response to growing pressure on water resources caused by population growth and climate change.
Norfolk is one of the driest parts of the country and the company says demand could eventually exceed the amount of water available from existing sources.
A detailed site-selection process is now under way.
Previous studies have identified areas around Caister-on-Sea and Bacton as possible locations, although Anglian Water says no preferred site has been selected and other coastal locations are also being considered.
The company is assessing environmental, engineering and infrastructure constraints before drawing up a shortlist.
Once potential sites have been identified, Anglian Water says communities will be consulted before plans are developed further.
The Norfolk plant could eventually produce tens of millions of litres of drinking water every day.
Current plans envisage construction beginning during the 2030s, with water potentially entering the network from around 2040.

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