South East Water supply problems leave neighbours helping out

Tens of thousands in Kent and Sussex faced low or no water supply after Storm Goretti and cold weather affected treatment and burst local mains, and South East Water said supplies may be intermittent while it increases flow but could not give a full restoration time.

Tens of thousands of customers in parts of Kent and Sussex experienced low water pressure or no supply over the weekend. The situation followed Storm Goretti and periods of cold weather that affected the company’s ability to treat water and caused local pipe bursts. Some households, including families on a priority register, reported relying on neighbours for basic needs while supplies were disrupted. Reported details: - Officials reported that Storm Goretti reduced the ability to treat water and that cold weather caused local mains to burst, contributing to shortages. - South East Water said it was increasing flow to affected areas but warned supplies may be intermittent and that it could not confirm when full restoration would occur. - Residents in affected towns described sanitation and hygiene difficulties; some households relied on neighbours for access to water and said they had little information on bottled supplies. Summary: Officials described treatment capacity being reduced by storm conditions and burst pipes, and also reported a short shutdown at a local treatment works that left a storage tank critically low. South East Water said it was working to increase flow but could not advise when supplies would be fully restored, and it reported some customers in parts of Blean may have problems until Tuesday. Undetermined at this time.