Around 36,000 properties across Kent and Sussex are still without a reliable running water supply after authorities declared a major incident. The water regulator, Ofwat, has confirmed it is conducting an active investigation and will consider further action over the ongoing problems with intermittent supplies and low pressure.
Cause and Company Response
South East Water (SEW), the utility company responsible, has pointed to a combination of Storm Goretti and a power failure at a key pumping plant as the primary causes of the crisis. The firm stated that its leak repair teams are working non-stop to address a spate of leaks and bursts across the two counties, with additional resources brought in to assist.
Incident manager Matthew Dean apologised to customers, explaining that the recent cold weather had led to multiple pipe failures, draining drinking water reserves and storage tanks. He confirmed that supplies had been restored to some areas, including Loose in Maidstone, Blean near Canterbury, Headcorn, West Kingsdown, and parts of Tunbridge Wells.
Ongoing Disruption and Community Impact
The crisis has led to 11 ongoing disruptions affecting numerous towns. Areas still impacted include Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Boughton-Under-Blean, Whitstable, and East Grinstead. The company expects drinking water to return to the 16,500 affected properties in East Grinsted today, with full supplies anticipated by tomorrow afternoon.
The disruption has forced several school closures. In Kent, Ulcombe Church of England Primary School has moved to online learning, while Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells closed entirely, postponing exams. In Sussex, Imberhorne School, Sackville School, Estcots Primary, The Meads Primary, and Ashurst Wood Primary School also remain shut.
Political Reaction and Public Support
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from local MPs. Mike Martin, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, told the BBC that the chair of South East Water needed to "get a grip," criticising the accountability of privatised water firms. Conservative MP for Maidstone and Malling, Helen Grant, said she was "absolutely appalled" by SEW's response to the crisis after a meeting with DEFRA ministers.
Kent County Council leader, Linden Kemkaran, stated the major incident was declared due to the escalating number of affected households. Bottled water collection points have been established for residents at Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club, Headcorn Aerodrome, East Grinstead Sports Club, and Queensway Car Park.
A spokesman for the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) said partners were working tirelessly with the water companies to limit the impact on communities. DEFRA Minister Mary Creagh reportedly instructed South East Water to provide updates every two hours until midnight due to unacceptable communication failures.
