Power Cut Sparks Water Crisis for 8,000 Homes, Businesses, and a Hospital
A major power outage on Friday knocked out a key water treatment plant, leaving 8,000 homes, businesses, and a hospital without reliable water in parts of Kent and East Sussex. The site shut down after multiple equipment failures, forcing South East Water to scramble technicians for emergency repairs.
Water Stations Set Up Across Affected Areas
To keep thirsty residents and businesses afloat, South East Water has opened three bottled water stations:
- The Fowlers Car Park, Rye Road, Hawkhurst
- The Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, Wadhurst
- Northiam Village Hall, Frewen Close, Rye
These stations will remain open until 9pm today. Meanwhile, bottled water is being proactively delivered to vulnerable customers registered with South East Water’s Priority Service.
Workers Race Round the Clock to Restore Supply
“A power outage on Friday triggered multiple failures at one of our water treatment plants, resulting in the site being shut down.”
“Our technicians have been on-site 24/7, but restoring the plant is taking time due to its size and complexity,” said Nick Bell, South East Water Incident Manager.
“Our stocks of treated water have plummeted after days offline, causing low pressure or no water for customers across Matfield, Goudhurst, Pembury, Kilndown, Hawkhurst, Northiam, Sandhurst, and nearby areas.”
Priority Support for Vulnerable Residents
South East Water urges affected residents to register for their Priority Service, designed to provide essential help during emergencies. Customers can sign up or find more information at southeastwater.co.uk/priority.
Thanks for your patience as crews work nonstop to get water flowing again.
