Water supply problems expected to persist on Sunday

A water disruption impacting roughly 6,000 residents in a town in Kent is not anticipated to be resolved until 18:00 GMT, according to the local water provider. South East Water expressed regret to Tunbridge Wells customers who experienced either no water or reduced pressure on Saturday, stemming from a fault at a treatment facility. The company had originally projected that the issue would be fixed by 06:00 on Sunday.

Matthew Dean, head of operations control, explained that the Pembury Water Treatment Works had halted operation due to a problematic batch of chemicals. A replacement batch arrived on Sunday, he confirmed. Dean noted that approximately 6,000 households were affected and that the company was conducting flow and pressure assessments to determine the exact scale of the problem. He added that water was being redirected from other parts of the network to maintain supply where possible.

He reassured the public that the water currently available is safe to use and does not require boiling. Additionally, temporary bottled water stations were being established in Tunbridge Wells, with further details to be shared. A similar station in nearby Tonbridge closed at 22:00 on Saturday.

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin, who is also without water, reported that he had contacted the CEO of South East Water. He shared on social media that the issue originated from a faulty batch of coagulant chemicals. Martin explained that new chemicals had been obtained and were being introduced into Pembury Treatment Works. The system would then undergo verification and refill procedures, potentially leaving some areas without water throughout the day. He pledged to provide updates as information became available.

Teresa Barrett, owner of the Black Horse pub on Camden Road, said her establishment has been without running water since midnight. She explained that the pub cannot legally operate under the current conditions and emphasized the financial strain caused by lost trading, particularly given the challenges currently facing the hospitality sector.

Local resident Peter Vincent described issues with water flow at his home at the bottom of Grove Hill, noting that the cistern was not refilling properly on Sunday morning. He commented that slow supply in some areas would likely cause problems for many households once demand increased.

Author: Sophia Brooks