Thousands of residents in Kent face continued water supply disruptions this weekend as South East Water urges customers to limit usage to essential needs only, with temperatures soaring to 28C. The company has reported that up to 3,500 customers are affected, forcing local businesses to close and residents to queue at bottled water stations.
Supply Issues Worsen Amid Heatwave
The heatwave, which has gripped the UK and much of Europe, has exacerbated supply shortages in South East Water's catchment area. Matthew Dean, the company's incident response manager, stated that tap water is likely to remain intermittent across the weekend for all affected customers, despite efforts to resolve the issue. He confirmed that 3,500 customers in the Whitstable area should see supply return later on Friday, while 165 customers in Cranbrook remain without drinking water as storage tanks have reached critical levels.
Around 10,500 customers in Coxheath, Loose, Headcorn, Herne Bay, and Benenden are experiencing low pressure or intermittent supply. Dean explained that demand peaks in the morning and evening, leading to frequent interruptions during these times.
Emergency Measures Underway
South East Water has delivered nearly 230,000 litres of water to vulnerable customers and provided bottled water to care homes, GP surgeries, pharmacies, and dentists. Approximately 340,000 bottles have been distributed at water stations across the county, with officials seeking new locations to open additional points. The company pumped 619 million litres of water on Thursday alone, about 100 million litres above the daily average for May.
Dean apologised to affected customers, acknowledging the frustration, especially in hot weather. He assured that the company is doing everything possible to prevent and resolve issues. Temperatures in Kent and the southeast are forecast to remain between 24C and 26C on Saturday, dropping to 21C to 22C on Sunday.
