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Water misery continues for about 1,200 properties

Daniel SextonSouth East
News imagePA Media South East Water staff handout bottled water at a water collection point near Herne BayPA Media
South East Water says a number of factors have left about 1,200 properties with no water or low pressure

At least 1,200 properties have no water or low pressure in different parts of Kent due to various factors affecting the South East Water (SEW) supply.

The firm has apologised to customers in the Charing, Challock and Molash areas who have been experiencing problems since Saturday.

It said drinking water supplies to about 800 properties in the area were currently affected but it was working to restore provisions.

Elsewhere, in Benenden, Rolvenden and surrounding areas, SEW said about 400 properties had low pressure or no water following recent pipe bursts and high demand during the hot weather.

SEW also apologised to customers in Blean, Canterbury, as it said a technical issue meant it was unable to pump water.

It said it was working hard to fix the issue as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, the supplier said customers in the Herne Bay area affected by water supply issues on Sunday had supplies restored overnight.

However, it said the area was experiencing further problems on Monday morning as the drinking water storage tank which supplies the town remained critically low.

"We are doing everything we can to try and recharge the levels in the storage tank that feeds the area to try and make sure we can restore supplies as soon as possible," it said.

News imageGetty Images South East Water customers collect water from a collection pointGetty Images
A number of bottled water stations have opened in the affected areas

Five bottled water stations are open until 22:00 BST at:

  • The Weald Sports Centre in Cranbrook
  • Challock Village Hall
  • Sainsbury's at Altira Business Park in Herne Bay
  • Sturry Road Park and Ride in Canterbury
  • Wincheap Park and Ride in Canterbury

Jenny Rhodes, SEW incident manager, said: "We are truly sorry to all our customers across Kent who are experiencing repeated disruptions.

"A combination of high demand for drinking water in the hot weather, burst pipes and power issues have placed severe pressure on our storage tanks and treatment works.

"We fully acknowledge that this level of service is unacceptable, especially during hot weather."

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