Thousands of homes in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, are currently facing significant water supply disruption following a "technical issue" at a local treatment works. South East Water (SEW) confirmed that more than 5,000 properties have been impacted, experiencing issues ranging from low water pressure to complete loss of supply.
The problem, which SEW incident manager Robert Anthony-Scorse described as a "technical issue at our water treatment works in the area," has affected the levels in the company's drinking water storage tanks. This, in turn, has prevented water from being adequately pumped to the Kent town, particularly impacting properties in higher elevated areas.
SEW stated that the site is now operational again, and efforts are underway to increase storage levels to reactivate booster pumps. In the interim, the company is utilising tankers to replenish drinking water storage and is distributing bottled water to customers on its priority register. Plans are also in motion to establish bottled water stations across the Tunbridge Wells area, with locations to be announced publicly.
This latest incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of South East Water. Earlier this week, the water regulator Ofwat ordered the company to invest £30.5 million in improvements after repeated failures to adequately serve its customers. Recent months have seen residents across Kent and Sussex endure multiple water supply failures, leading to strong criticism from both regulators and political figures.
In June, Tom Tugendhat, the local MP for Tonbridge and Malling, publicly criticised the firm, reportedly calling it the "worst-run company I've ever come across." The ongoing disruptions have fuelled public frustration and raised questions about the resilience of water infrastructure in the region.