Water firm blocks drinks-makers in Suffolk from expanding supply

‘This has come as a bolt from the blue to us,’ said Alan Ridealgh of the Humber Doucy Brewery, with his son John. Photograph: Humber Doucy Brewing Co

Small companies in Suffolk that manufacture drinks have been told to keep a lid on their water usage for most of the next decade, amid concerns at their supplier that it will be unable to meet rising demand.

Essex and Suffolk Water has imposed a “moratorium” on new mains-water connections for non-domestic use until 2033 and told small businesses it would be unable to increase their usage above existing levels through their current connections.