Thousands of Kent homes still without water

Thousands of people in Kent are still without water following a shutdown at a water treatment works.

A "temporary instrument failure" at a plant in Tunbridge Wells has left up to 7,000 properties with "low pressure, no water, or intermittent supply", according to South East Water (SEW).

The company said on Sunday that it is delivering water to priority customers, while bottled water stations have been opened at two locations.

A SEW statement read: "A temporary instrument failure at our Tunbridge Wells water treatment works caused a brief shutdown.

"While the site is now stable, low storage levels from this disruption and high demand mean we cannot pump water to some areas, particularly on higher ground.

"Consequently, up to 7,000 properties face low pressure, no water, or intermittent supply. To ensure a stable, continuous flow, we must allow tanks to replenish.

"We are very sorry to all customers impacted by this issue."

Bottled water stations are open at Tesco, Pembury Road, and Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club, St Marks Recreation Ground.

In an earlier statement, the company said supplies would not return until Sunday evening at the earliest.

Tunbridge Wells MP, Mike Martin, said in a post on X on Saturday: "The plan now is to recharge the tanks at Blackhurst Reservoir and get the water back on tomorrow - but this will most likely be in the PM, so please plan accordingly."

South East Water customers have endured previous disruption, with homes and businesses in Kent suffering supply failures in late May.

The company has around 2.3 million customers in the South East of England.

During last winter, there were supply interruptions in Tunbridge Wells and across Kent and Sussex.

The firm said more than 77,000 customers experienced "periods without water supply, low pressure or intermittent supplies" as a result of leaks and bursts across the network and storms causing power cuts.

Read more from Sky News:
British runner Josh Kerr breaks mile record
Woman arrested on suspicion of pensioner murder

South East Water is facing a £30.5m redress package for multiple customer service failures, the industry watchdog announced earlier this week.

Ofwat said last Tuesday that the company, which has suffered a series of supply interruptions, would have to foot the bill for its shortcomings along with shareholders, rather than place the burden on long-suffering household bills.

(c) Sky News 2026: Thousands of Kent homes still without water