Water Crisis in Kent and Sussex: Thousands Without Supply Amid Storm-Induced Disruptions
Published 12 January 2026
Highlights
- South East Water (SEW) has left 30,000 properties in Kent and Sussex without water due to Storm Goretti and a power cut.
- Ofwat, the water regulator, is investigating SEW's compliance with customer care obligations amid ongoing disruptions.
- A major incident has been declared, affecting schools, businesses, and hospitals, with some services moving online.
- Water Minister Emma Hardy has expressed serious concerns and is prioritizing the restoration of water supplies.
- SEW has apologized and is providing bottled water stations while working to repair burst pipes and restore normal service.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Water Crisis in Kent and Sussex: Thousands Without Supply Amid Storm-Induced Disruptions
Thousands of residents in Kent and Sussex are grappling with severe water supply disruptions after Storm Goretti and a power outage at a pumping station left 30,000 properties without water. South East Water (SEW), the company responsible for the supply, has faced mounting criticism as it struggles to restore normal service.
Impact of Storm Goretti and Power Outage
The issues began over the weekend when Storm Goretti, coupled with a power cut, disrupted SEW's operations. Areas including Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Maidstone, Whitstable, and Canterbury have been severely affected, with many residents experiencing low pressure or no water at all. SEW has attributed the problems to burst pipes and the inability to treat water at the usual rate due to freezing conditions.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Government Response
The water regulator, Ofwat, has expressed concern over SEW's handling of the situation and is investigating whether the company has met its legal obligations regarding customer care. "We are working closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate to ensure that regulation and enforcement are aligned," Ofwat stated. Water Minister Emma Hardy has also voiced her dissatisfaction, stating, "This is entirely unacceptable," and has prioritized the restoration of water supplies, especially for vulnerable customers and essential services.
Community and Business Disruptions
The water crisis has led to a major incident declaration, with schools and libraries closing and hospitals like Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead conducting some appointments virtually. Businesses have also been hit hard, with many forced to close due to the lack of water. Charmain Powell, owner of the Portobello Inn in Sevenoaks, lamented, "This is taking Dry January to a whole new level."
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
In response to the crisis, SEW has set up bottled water stations and is working to repair the damaged infrastructure. The company has apologized for the disruption, acknowledging the significant impact on daily lives. "We’re doing all we can to try to balance our network and restore supplies to as many customers as possible," a spokesperson said.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation by Ofwat unfolds, SEW could face significant regulatory action if found to have neglected its customer care obligations. The ongoing disruptions have sparked public outcry and calls for increased accountability, potentially leading to changes in how water companies are regulated. In the longer term, this incident may prompt discussions on the need for substantial investment in water infrastructure to prevent future crises. The government's response, including increased compensation for affected customers, indicates a commitment to addressing these systemic issues.
Thousands of residents in Kent and Sussex are grappling with severe water supply disruptions after Storm Goretti and a power outage at a pumping station left 30,000 properties without water. South East Water (SEW), the company responsible for the supply, has faced mounting criticism as it struggles to restore normal service.
Impact of Storm Goretti and Power Outage
The issues began over the weekend when Storm Goretti, coupled with a power cut, disrupted SEW's operations. Areas including Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Maidstone, Whitstable, and Canterbury have been severely affected, with many residents experiencing low pressure or no water at all. SEW has attributed the problems to burst pipes and the inability to treat water at the usual rate due to freezing conditions.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Government Response
The water regulator, Ofwat, has expressed concern over SEW's handling of the situation and is investigating whether the company has met its legal obligations regarding customer care. "We are working closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate to ensure that regulation and enforcement are aligned," Ofwat stated. Water Minister Emma Hardy has also voiced her dissatisfaction, stating, "This is entirely unacceptable," and has prioritized the restoration of water supplies, especially for vulnerable customers and essential services.
Community and Business Disruptions
The water crisis has led to a major incident declaration, with schools and libraries closing and hospitals like Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead conducting some appointments virtually. Businesses have also been hit hard, with many forced to close due to the lack of water. Charmain Powell, owner of the Portobello Inn in Sevenoaks, lamented, "This is taking Dry January to a whole new level."
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
In response to the crisis, SEW has set up bottled water stations and is working to repair the damaged infrastructure. The company has apologized for the disruption, acknowledging the significant impact on daily lives. "We’re doing all we can to try to balance our network and restore supplies to as many customers as possible," a spokesperson said.
What this might mean
As the investigation by Ofwat unfolds, SEW could face significant regulatory action if found to have neglected its customer care obligations. The ongoing disruptions have sparked public outcry and calls for increased accountability, potentially leading to changes in how water companies are regulated. In the longer term, this incident may prompt discussions on the need for substantial investment in water infrastructure to prevent future crises. The government's response, including increased compensation for affected customers, indicates a commitment to addressing these systemic issues.
