Thousands hit with water supply issues in Kent

Residents from more than 5,000 properties across Tunbridge Wells are facing water supply disruption due to a "technical issue".

South East Water said the problem at a water treatment works had affected levels in drinking water storage tanks which meant supplies could not be pumped to the Kent town, particularly in higher areas.

Residents across Kent and Sussex have experienced multiple water supply failures in recent months, which has seen SEW heavily criticised by regulators and politicians.

Earlier this week SEW apologised after it was ordered to spend £30.5m on improvements by water regulator Ofwat after repeatedly letting down customers.

SEW incident manager Robert Anthony-Scorse said the latest problem had been caused by "a technical issue at our water treatment works in the area".

He said about 5,600 properties may be experiencing supply issues, "including low pressure, intermittent supply or no water.

"We're working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The site is in operation again and we are working hard to increase the storage levels to get the booster pumps back up and running.

"We are using tankers to increase drinking water storage levels to help support the affected areas."

The firm, he said, had been delivering bottled water to customer on it's priority register.

"We're also working to set up bottled water stations in the Tunbridge Wells area," Anthony-Scorse said.

He said the company would publicise the locations of these.

In June, Kent MP Tom Tugendhat dubbed the firm the "worst-run company I've ever come across".

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.