South East Water supply disruption has left thousands of homes and businesses in Kent facing low pressure or no water for a second day. About 7,000 properties in the Tunbridge Wells area are affected due to an instrument failure at a nearby water treatment works, the company confirmed. Bottled water stations remain open as residents await restoration.
What Caused the Kent Water Supply Disruption?
The disruption stems from an instrument failure at a water treatment facility serving Tunbridge Wells. South East Water stated that storage tank levels are improving but need to replenish fully to ensure stable, continuous flow. The company aims to restore supplies by Sunday evening at the earliest.
Get the #1 Wireless Door Camera
REOLINK Bestseller: 2K Weatherproof Video Doorbell, No Monthly Fees.
Impact on Homes and Businesses
Residents report a complete lack of water, low pressure, or intermittent supply. Local businesses have faced closures, and families are relying on bottled water stations. South East Water apologised and deployed tankers to boost storage levels.
| Affected Area | Number of Properties | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tunbridge Wells | 7,000 | Low pressure or no water |
| Surrounding Kent areas | Variable | Intermittent supply |
Bottled Water Stations and Support
South East Water opened two bottled water stations on Sunday until 8pm: at the Tesco superstore on Pembury Road and Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club. Priority services customers receive direct deliveries. The company urges residents to check their priority register status.
Key Takeaways for Affected Residents
- Bottled water stations open until 8pm Sunday at Tesco Pembury Road and Tunbridge Wells RFC.
- Supplies expected to return later Sunday evening, but may be intermittent initially.
- Customers on the priority services register get direct bottled water deliveries.
- South East Water apologised and cited instrument failure as the cause.
Broader Utility Challenges for South East Water
This disruption follows a difficult year for the utility, which warned of material uncertainty over its survival after paying millions in fines and losing its CEO. The company supplies 2.3 million customers in southeast England and is seeking fresh financing.
FAQ
What caused the South East Water supply disruption in Kent?
An instrument failure at a water treatment works near Tunbridge Wells led to low pressure or no water for 7,000 properties.
When will water supplies be restored in Tunbridge Wells?
South East Water expects supplies to return by Sunday evening at the earliest, but full stability may take longer.
Where can I get bottled water during the Kent water outage?
Bottled water stations are open at Tesco Pembury Road and Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club until 8pm Sunday.