Response to ongoing water supply issues

Partner agencies in the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) yesterday (Sunday 11^th January) declared a Major Incident following an escalation in water supply issues across the county.

The KMRF is a partnership of organisations and agencies who work together to improve the resilience of Kent and Medway, and to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies that could have a significant impact on communities. Its members include utility companies, local authorities and health providers, as well as the emergency services.

Declaring a Major Incident makes it easier for KMRF partners to work closely together to plan and prepare to help keep communities safe, keep vital infrastructure operating and essential services running in the event of a significant issue, such as widespread water supply disruption.

A KMRF spokesperson said: “The Major Incident threshold was crossed at the weekend when two of Kent’s water companies reported problems across their networks.

“South East Water customers were and continue to experience low water pressure or no water in various locations, including Canterbury, Maidstone and Sevenoaks. The issue has been caused by leaks from the recent cold weather.

“In addition, several thousand homes and businesses in Tunbridge Wells served by booster pumps from Blackhurst Reservoir have been told to continue to expect intermittent supply until mid-week when South East Water says storage levels will be fully restored.

“As a result a number of schools are closed.

“In addition, Southern Water reported issues with supply sites in Wingham and Selling. Southern Water said the issue could affect communities across the Medway Towns, as well as villages near Sittingbourne and Maidstone, including Boxley, Detling, Hartlip and Bobbing. Southern Water also experienced an issue at its Matts Hill water supply works near Sittingbourne after Storm Goretti made water too cloudy to treat.

“As a precaution, Southern Water has delivered bottled water to those who could potentially be affected by disruption from this site.

“While both water companies are today (Monday 12^th January) reporting an improving picture and Matts Hill is back online, the KMRF will continue to treat this fast-moving and complex situation as a Major Incident. Partners are meeting the water companies daily to secure updates and assurances, ensure problems are effectively being tackled and they are keeping the communities they serve informed.”

ENDS

Further information:

For detailed information about specific water supply issues where you live and your nearest bottled water station, South East Water customers should visit https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/ and Southern Water customers should visit https://www.southernwater.co.uk/