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Kent Water Crisis: 30,000 Face Supply Outages Amid Criticism

1/17/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Water supply issues hit Kent and East Sussex as tens of thousands suffer outages, with South East Water affecting about 30,000 properties.
Mike Martin, MP, criticized South East Water for eroding credibility and causing economic damage.
Labour MP Helena Dollimore said ongoing sewage pollution and environmental concerns reflect decades of neglect.
The government plans to address these issues, but campaigners fear reforms may be insufficient.

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Story summary

Water supply issues hit Kent and East Sussex as tens of thousands suffer outages, with South East Water affecting about 30,000 properties.
Mike Martin, MP, criticized South East Water for eroding credibility and causing economic damage.
Labour MP Helena Dollimore said ongoing sewage pollution and environmental concerns reflect decades of neglect.
The government plans to address these issues, but campaigners fear reforms may be insufficient.