The partnership, which is made up of private sector businesses and regional public sector bodies including Anglian Water, Government Office East, the Environment Agency and the East of England Development Agency aims to ensure that the region's water resources are managed effectively and efficiently.
The Minister began her visit carrying out a tour of Anglian Water's Treatment Works at Grafham Water to learn about the importance of water infrastructure in the region's wider growth agenda.
She then met with representatives of all organisations of the Water Partnership and delivered a speech to delegates, setting out the region's water agenda and objectives of the new partnership.
These include; carrying out studies on a range of water related issues and using data to inform local decision-making, tackling the Climate Change agenda by joining up the region's efforts to adapt to environmental change and developing a strategic approach to water efficiency.
Speaking at the end of the event Barbara Follett said: "This is an ambitious project, which I am proud to be associated with. The Regional Water Partnership will have a key role to play in the East of England's ambitious plans for housing and economic growth. I am sure that it will do this sensitively and successfully."
Peter Simpson, Chief Operating Officer for Anglian Water, said: "The Regional Water Partnership will bring the public and private bodies much closer together to meet the challenges of growth and climate change, both of which need to be taken extremely seriously if we are to contribute to the well-being of our region. This is a real opportunity to show Anglian Water's commitment by taking such a lead role in the partnership."
David Marlow, ceo of EEDA said: "The Regional Water partnership agreed today between EEDA and its private and public sector partners will be key for success of the economy in the region and the continued quality of life for those who live and work here. It will help identify constraints to delivery, develop solutions and demonstrate regional successes.
"Because of the region's ambitious growth plans, the fact that the East of England is one of the driest regions in the country and the challenges of climate change we all need to be smarter about how much water we use. We need to work together with the construction and property sectors and local authorities for example to support sustainable water infrastructure by the promotion of best practice, such as on sustainable drainage systems and promotion of water efficiency."
