Major incident declared as thousands without water

Kent County Council declared a major incident after Storm Goretti, a power cut at a pumping plant and other faults left thousands in parts of Sussex and Kent without tap water; bottled water collection points and tankers are being used and 14 postcodes remain affected.

Kent County Council has declared a major incident after a weekend of disruption left thousands of people in Sussex and Kent without tap water. South East Water (SEW) reported a mix of causes, including Storm Goretti, a power cut at a pumping plant, cold weather and network changes. Emergency measures such as bottled water collection points and deliveries by water tanker are in operation. Some customers have been told their supply may not return until Tuesday. Key facts: - A major incident was declared by Kent County Council because a growing number of households and settings have been affected and extra arrangements are being put in place. - SEW said multiple issues contributed: Storm Goretti, a power cut at a pumping plant, cold weather, essential network changes, and limits on bulk supplies from neighbouring companies. - Fourteen postcodes around East Grinstead, Frant and Tunbridge Wells remain affected, and some customers are on SEW’s priority register for deliveries. - Bottled water collection points and water tankers are being used, and several schools and some public library services are closed; a local hospital has said some appointments may be carried out virtually. Summary: The declaration of a major incident indicates local authorities and SEW are coordinating responses to restore supplies and maintain essential services. Specific longer-term actions or timelines beyond maintenance deliveries and temporary measures are undetermined at this time.