Water Crisis Devastates Kent and Sussex: Thousands Still Without a Drop
Thousands of homes across Kent and Sussex remain dry as a major water crisis rages on. Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Maidstone, and more are still suffering after a storm and freezing weather caused chaos. Schools have shut down for a second day amid worsening shortages, leaving communities desperate and frustrated.
Storm Goretti and Freezing Temps Wreck Water Supplies
South East Water (SEW) blames the mess on Storm Goretti’s savage winds and a deep freeze that triggered burst pipes and power failures. Towns including Harbledown, Canterbury, and Sevenoaks are still struggling with intermittent or no water supply.
SEW claims crews are working through the night to refill reservoirs but warns: “Water may return intermittently before full recovery.”
Kent Council Leader Demands SEW Boss Resign
Linden Kemkaran, Kent County Council leader, blasted: “The ongoing situation with water in Kent is a disgrace. I will be urging fellow Kent Leaders to demand the head of SEW steps down. He clearly is not up to the job.”
Power Cuts Worsen Crisis as Schools and Communities Struggle
Power outages in Tunbridge Wells have knocked out pumping stations, making the crisis even worse. MP Mike Martin revealed his efforts to keep schools open during critical A-Level and GCSE mocks, organising bottled water and grey water for toilets.
He warned: “Despite SEW promising supply returns, I expect issues to persist into the weekend.”
Government Slams Crisis as ‘Completely Unacceptable’
The Prime Minister’s office called the disruption “completely unacceptable,” with Water Minister Emma Hardy holding emergency talks aimed at speeding up recovery. Priority is on helping vulnerable residents and essential services.
South East Water CEO Faces Sack Calls from MPs
MPs representing affected areas have demanded South East Water chief David Hinton be axed. Shadow Secretary Helen Whately accused him bluntly: “He is not up to the job and must be moved on.”
Ms Hardy confirmed an investigation by the Drinking Water Inspectorate is underway over South East Water’s repeated failures.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 25,000+ customers still have no or intermittent water supply.
- Schools including St Peter’s CofE Primary and Skinners’ Academy remain closed.
- Bottled water stations open at Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club; more planned at St John’s Leisure Centre.
- Residents report two-hour round trips and empty water stations, branding SEW’s response a “disgrace.”
What You Need to Know
South East Water urges residents requiring extra help to join the Priority Services Register. Water deliveries had been paused but will resume if the situation worsens.
Stay tuned for live updates as Kent and Sussex battle one of the worst water crises in recent memory.
