Thousands in North Sussex Face Water Crisis – Forced to Drive Miles for Bottled Supply
Thousands across North Sussex are left high and dry with no running water. Residents have been told to drive up to 8 miles just to collect bottled water amid a widespread supply failure.
Massive Area Hit – From Pease Pottage to Tunbridge Wells
The water outage stretches from Pease Pottage in the west, across Crowborough in the east, and into Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The disruption is hitting thousands of households hard.
Bottled Water Stations Set Up But Crowborough Left Dry
South East Water has established water stations at several locations including the Tesco Superstore at Woodgate Corner, Pembury (TN2 4NE), and East Grinstead Rugby Football Club (RH19 4JU). But frustratingly, the largest town affected, Crowborough, home to over 20,000 residents, has no water station at all. Many there have been dry since Saturday with no end in sight.
- Residents in Handcross and Pease Pottage forced to make a 10-mile round trip to East Grinstead for water.
- Social media is awash with angry posts from locals desperate for help.
South East Water Responds to Outrage
“We’re really sorry to customers in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas experiencing no water or low pressure,” South East Water said.
“The cold weather has caused more bursts and leaks in our underground network, dropping reservoir levels. Crews are working 24/7 to fix these, plus using tankers to keep water flowing.”
“We’re urging everyone to check for leaks in lofts, airing cupboards and outside taps to reduce demand.”
Residents Speak Out After Supermarkets Run Dry
“My husband’s been to Crawley, Horsham, Broadbridge Heath – all supermarkets are sold out,” said one resident.
Another fumed, “The nearest water station for Pease Pottage residents is a 30-minute drive away—assuming everyone has a car. Absolutely disgusting! Zero water, not even a trickle, and no clues when it’ll return!”
One more added, “I haven’t found bottled water anywhere in Crowborough.”
Keep Updated
If you’re affected, keep checking South East Water’s website for live updates on the crisis and water station locations.
