Isle of Sheppey Parched: 60,000 Left Dry After Burst Pipes
Double Pipe Bursts Cut Water Supply in Sweltering Heat
Over 60,000 people on the Isle of Sheppey have been left without water for a second scorching day after a Southern Water main burst on Tuesday morning. Just as hopes rose, a second pipe burst overnight, plunging 24,000 homes deeper into crisis.
12 local schools are forced to shut their doors, while residents scramble for relief at limited bottled water collection points.
Southern Water Scrambles to Fix Damage
A Southern Water spokesperson said: “Repairs are complete, and we’re slowly starting to refill the network. If everything goes as planned, we hope to have you back in stock late this evening.”
However, restoration is being hampered by the ongoing power outage, keeping all kent/" title="Kent">Kent County Council public buildings — including schools, libraries, and children’s centres — closed until further notice.
Six water tankers are racing to supply critical sites like Sheppey Community Hospital.
Traffic Chaos and Rising Tensions on the Ground
Kent Police are managing traffic to ensure water deliveries reach their destinations unhindered, while Kent Highways has shut the northbound A249 Sheppey Crossing for temporary pump installation.
Water is also being delivered to vulnerable households on Southern Water’s priority services register — but not everyone agrees it’s reaching those in need.
Residents Slam Response as “Absolute Disgrace”
- Laura Forsey blasted Southern Water: “They are not providing water to all priority homes. There is no water at the points. We are in desperate need, but they’re not doing enough.”
- Lisa Peeke, also on the priority list, added: “I only have three jugs left for my family of four. No water has been delivered to me. It’s an absolute disgrace.”
MP Gordon Henderson echoed the frustration: “I share the people of Sheppey’s frustrations and concerns. It’s an appalling situation.”
Age UK Sheppey’s Keith Sentinella-Jones revealed the charity had to close day centres – vital for many elderly residents who rely on them for their only hot meal each day.
