How Kent managed to survive a week without access to water

For seven days, around 24,000 households across Kent and East Sussex faced a complete disruption of water supply, leading to widespread disruption and frustration. The crisis reached the highest levels of government, with the Prime Minister calling the situation "shocking" and public pressure mounting on South East Water's leadership.

Water services have now been restored to most homes, but residents are still required to boil tap water before using it for drinking or cooking. The disruption originated from a disinfection issue at a water treatment facility, and investigations into how it occurred are ongoing.

Residents Share Their Experiences

Fia Davidsson-Clayton from Tunbridge Wells described the first day of the outage as a struggle, especially with caring for her baby, saying that she had to bathe her child in boiled sparkling water due to empty local stores. She remains concerned about whether washing is safe while breastfeeding.

Anita Jarrett of Sherwood recounted the sudden water cut-off on Saturday, which left her unable to wash out hair dye. With the nearest bottled water supply over a mile away, she relied on friends and family for transportation.

David Flanighan, also from Tunbridge Wells, regained water supply early on Friday but continues to rely on 15 two-litre bottles of water he stocked during the week. He described the challenges of using household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers after the outage.

Community Impact

BBC journalists in the area reported similar hardships. Hamish Mureddu-Reid noted the relief when taps were turned on again, allowing residents to flush toilets and perform basic hygiene, though bottled water trips remain essential for many. He highlighted how the crisis fostered stronger community connections, even in difficult circumstances.

Journalist Craig Buchan expressed relief at having running water but acknowledged some neighbors still lacked safe drinking water. He emphasized the ongoing need to boil water for safety.

Safety Measures and Timeline

South East Water has announced that the boil water advisory will remain in effect at least until 13 December for any tap water used in drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Dr. Neil Hudson, the company's head of water quality, described the measure as precautionary, noting that the water still undergoes full treatment but that there is a small risk that disinfection may not be completely effective.

Residents are advised to consult their doctor if they experience any health issues after consuming boiled water, although the likelihood of adverse effects is considered very low.

Author: Riley Thompson