Why are there water supply issues in Kent?

Multiple issues including treatment works faults, power outages, and burst mains have caused water supply disruptions for thousands of homes in Kent.

What did the regulator say about South East Water?

The regulator stated that a significant treatment center failure was foreseen and that South East Water failed to conduct proper testing.

How many homes were affected by South East Water outages?

Over 5,500 households were affected on Sunday evening, with previous incidents impacting 30,000 and 24,000 homes.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Kent Reels: Water Woes Hit 5,500 Homes Amidst Failures

Kent Reels: Water Woes Hit 5,500 Homes Amidst Failures

19 Jan

•

Summary

Over 5,500 households faced water outages due to multiple infrastructure failures.
A treatment works fault on Saturday affected 4,500 homes near Maidstone.
Regulator cited foreseen treatment center failure and inadequate testing.

Kent Reels: Water Woes Hit 5,500 Homes Amidst Failures

Thousands of households across Kent continue to grapple with severe water supply issues following a series of major failures by South East Water. On Sunday evening, over 5,500 homes were impacted by a combination of a treatment works fault, a power outage, and two burst mains, compounding recent widespread disruptions. Earlier this week, 30,000 homes in Kent and Sussex faced prolonged outages, drawing significant criticism.

The latest incidents included a Saturday fault at a treatment works affecting 4,500 homes in villages near Maidstone, with service restoration expected overnight. Additionally, 800 homes in Linton faced issues from a burst main, and 320 homes in Bidborough were still without water five days after an initial power outage. Another burst main on Sunday evening further disrupted supply between Maidstone and Ashford.