Concerns over water supply and leaks in Eye and Stowmarket

The Environment Agency says more hosepipe bans and smart water meters are likely in Suffolk due to increasing water demand, describing it as "the frontline of water scarcity and challenges that are threatening future development".

On Tuesday, low water pressure was reported in both Stowmarket and Eye due to burst water pipes in the two towns. 

Meanwhile, businesses in north Suffolk say they have suffered since a moratorium was imposed by Essex & Suffolk Water on the Hartismere water resource zone last year, putting restrictions on non-domestic properties until 2033.

The Hartismere Water Resource Zone. (Image: Essex and Suffolk Water) Alan Ridealgh, who co-owns Humber Doucy Brewery with his son John in Bacton, near Stowmarket, fears his business will not be able to grow due poor infrastructure and restrictions.  

He said: "This is all because of 30 years of poor management and lack of investment. 

"We are already paying for that appalling infrastructure and it will only get worse in the future as demand increases.

"One thing we have to remember is it's not just breweries, all businesses are impacted by this, as we all use water and it will only get worse.

"Plus, it's bad for the economy as it's stopping businesses from growing."

The business is one of several to be affected by the moratorium (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown) Meanwhile, Tim Norman, owner of Inspired Waterjet, based at an industrial estate in Denham, near Eye, says he has noticed "persistent low pressure and issues in the area".

The firm uses jets of pressurised water to cut material to make parts for various industries.

Mr Norman, who uses his own water store as a backup due to consistent demand issues, said: "I think it's an issue because they haven't future-proofed it. 

"It's is a fundamental part of my business to have a good water supply."

He added that the water issue is holding many businesses in the area back from growing.

Tankers have also been forced to travel across Suffolk to meet fresh water demands at Sizewell C. (Image: Paul Geater) This also comes as fresh water supplies have been carried by tanker from Alton Water, near Ipswich, to Sizewell C, due to high demands. 

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: "Our reservoir stocks are where we would expect them to be for this time of year, but with warm weather predicted for the next week or so, we will continue to manage demand.

"We’re asking our customers to use water wisely because even small changes can make a big difference."

A huge water leak was discovered at a home in Eye after water pressure dropped in the area. (Image: Lana Mills)Meanwhile, reports of faulty water mains and exploded pipes have also plagued the region and dragged residents into the issue. 

On Monday, Lana Mills, a resident living in Oak Crescent in Eye, says she discovered a huge leak in her garden due to a burst water pipe in the area. 

"My opinion is it’s both the council and Suffolk & Essex Water's fault.

"They basically said they are not interested in stopping the water until someone can access the water mains.

"I have a disabled child and this house is listed for sale, plus, we have just done up our garden.

"I'm so angry and we need them to take responsibility for their actions."

Lana Mills (left) with her family. (Image: Lana Mills)

The water leak has seen water flood under the deck of the garden. (Image: Lana Mills) Meanwhile, Glanda Price, a resident living in Stowmarket, added: "The water pressure here has been a lot lower for a good few years.

"We put it down to more homes, which isn't a dig at the homes or residents in them, it just stands to reason that if more people are using water and the water supply isn't increasing."

Essex and Suffolk Water say they are investing £1bn over the next five years, almost three times that compared to the previous five-year period and will be carrying out "major upgrades to ensure the resilience of our water networks".

“We’re committed to working with regulators, local authorities, and regional partners to ensure a secure, sustainable water supply for the future", they added.