Water disruption expected to continue for days

Residents in Tunbridge Wells have been told they can expect continued disruption to their water supply until Tuesday.

Earlier this week, South East Water (SEW) revealed that cold weather had caused a "series of burst water mains," leaving 6,500 customers in the area without any service.

And, while those supplies later returned, the company said the arrival of Storm Goretti on Thursday had slowed the refilling of its storage tanks, meaning demand is still outstripping supply.

On Friday afternoon, SEW added that, until the network stabilises, customers can can expect normal flow in the mornings, but no water in the afternoons and throughout the evenings.

A spokesperson for SEW explained the storm had resulted in "outages at a number of water treatment works sites" and widespread "river water quality issues".

"This is not the level of service we want to provide, but we believe this is the quickest way to return water supplies to normal," they said.

"We expect the levels to be stable by 13 January".

Leak repair teams are also "continuing to work around the clock to fix the leaks and bursts which are impacting the network".

SEW added that a bottled water station will be open at Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club, while bottled water is being delivered to priority customers.

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