Overview
- Roughly 23,000 to 25,000 properties in Kent and Sussex remain without reliable supply, with partial restorations progressing in areas including East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and parts of Maidstone.
- South East Water says Storm Goretti, freezing conditions causing bursts and a pumping-station power cut disrupted treatment and drained storage tanks.
- Ofwat is conducting an active investigation with the Drinking Water Inspectorate leading on the latest interruption, and the EFRA committee has recalled South East Water leaders, citing deep scepticism about their account.
- Political pressure has intensified, with MPs and Kent County Council’s leader urging chief executive David Hinton to resign and national figures joining calls for leadership change.
- Schools have closed, some hospital appointments moved online and local businesses report losses, while 26 tankers and multiple bottled-water stations support residents and priority customers.