Full Breakdown
Major Water Supply Crisis in Kent and Sussex
1/13/2026, 11:29:16 AM
Overview of the Incident
A major incident has been declared in Kent and Sussex as approximately 30,000 homes face significant water supply disruptions. South East Water (SEW) attributed the crisis to multiple factors, including Storm Goretti, burst water mains, and a power cut at its pumping plant. The affected areas include East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, and Canterbury, with many residents experiencing no water or low pressure since the weekend.
Causes of the Water Shortage
The water supply issues stem from a combination of severe weather conditions and infrastructure failures. Storm Goretti impacted SEW's ability to treat raw water effectively, while freezing temperatures led to a series of burst water mains. SEW reported that drinking water storage levels have been critically low, particularly affecting 16,500 properties in East Grinstead alone. The company has set up bottled water collection points in various locations, including Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club and East Grinstead Sports Club.
Impact on Local Services
The water shortages have forced several schools and public libraries in the affected areas to close, and the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead has had to conduct some appointments virtually. Local MP Mims Davies described the situation as "bedlam," highlighting the disruption to businesses and community events, including the cancellation of a charity fun run due to health and safety concerns.
Official Responses and Criticism
SEW has issued apologies to affected customers and is working to restore supplies. The company’s incident manager, Matthew Dean, stated, “We’re sorry to our customers across Kent and Sussex who are experiencing issues with their drinking water supply.” However, residents have expressed frustration over the frequency of water shortages, with some calling for an independent audit of SEW's infrastructure. Local activists have criticized the company for not investing adequately in necessary upgrades, with one resident stating, “Water is a human right, and we are being denied this basic human right.”
Government and Regulatory Oversight
Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing investment in water infrastructure, labeling the current situation as "entirely unacceptable." Ofwat, the water regulator, is actively investigating SEW's supply resilience and has indicated that further enforcement actions may be necessary if the company is found to have violated its legal obligations.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While SEW estimates that around 30,000 properties are affected, specific numbers vary across reports. Some sources indicate that 16,500 homes in East Grinstead are without water, while others mention additional disruptions in Maidstone and other areas. The exact timeline for restoring normal water supply remains unclear, with some customers being told they may not see improvements until Tuesday.
What's Next
As SEW continues to address the crisis, residents are advised to monitor updates from the company regarding water supply restoration and the status of bottled water stations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the infrastructure and potential government interventions to ensure long-term solutions are implemented.
