Water Crisis Update: Supply Slowly Returning but Problems Persist
Water is making a gradual comeback across the Isle of Sheppey this morning. If you’re on the Southdown reservoir, expect water pressure to improve bit by bit. Those served by Kingsborough reservoir will need to hang on a little longer, but supplies should start flowing within a couple of hours.
Brace yourself for continued low water pressure as demand remains sky-high while the network stabilises. Remember to turn off your taps tonight to avoid flooding when water returns.
Discoloured Water: What You Need to Know
Seeing cloudy or oddly coloured water? Don’t panic. Discoloured water is common after power outages and network repairs.
- Cloudy or white water: Fill a glass and watch it clear in a few minutes. This is just trapped air escaping the pipes.
- Brown or black water: Run your tap for a few minutes to flush it out. If that fails, switch off for 20 minutes, then try again.
Warning: Avoid running hot water taps or using dishwashers and washing machines until water runs clear. Flushing toilets is fine.
If your water is still discoloured after 24-48 hours, or if your neighbours have water but you don’t, ring 0330 303 0368.
Bottled Water Stations Stay Open
Bottled water points remain open throughout the day to help residents. Locations and opening times are:
- 7:30am: Sports Direct, Neats Court Retail Park, ME11 5JS
- 9:00am: Tesco, Bridge Road, Sheerness, ME12 1RH
- 9:00am: Leysdown Bootfair, Leysdown Road, ME12 4LR
Two of these sites were relocated following talks with emergency services to ensure they are in the right spots. Tesco’s location stays the same.
Ongoing Apologies and Recovery Efforts
Water company bosses apologise for the upheaval and distress caused. Recovery work has been steady through the night with many already seeing water return at their taps. They urge residents to stay patient as full normality returns.
