Home / Disasters and Accidents / East Grinstead Water Crisis: 16,500 Homes Without Supply
East Grinstead Water Crisis: 16,500 Homes Without Supply
10 Jan
Summary
- Around 16,500 homes in East Grinstead are without water.
- Storm Goretti is affecting water treatment and causing burst mains.
- Water supplies may not return to normal until the end of the weekend.
Residents in and around East Grinstead are facing a severe water shortage, with about 16,500 properties affected. South East Water confirmed that Storm Goretti has significantly hampered its ability to treat water at its main Sussex facility. This, combined with burst water mains caused by recent freeze-thaw conditions across Sussex, has depleted drinking water storage in the East Grinstead area.
The water company stated that while the water currently in the network is safe to drink, normal supplies are not expected to return until the end of the weekend at the earliest. Bottled water stations have been established at local supermarkets to assist affected customers. Special provisions are also being made for individuals on the company's priority register.
This situation mirrors disruptions faced by customers in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where similar issues have led to expected continued disruption until Tuesday. Earlier this week, cold weather caused a series of burst mains affecting 6,500 customers in that area.
