Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands of people in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, have been left without running water or with low pressure due to a water shortage.
- The water shortage was caused by a shut down at the Pembury Water Treatment Works, resulting in low drinking water stocks.
- South East Water has set up bottled water stations, but they have been overwhelmed with demand, with one station temporarily closing due to low supplies.
- Priority customers who are unable to collect water in person will have bottles delivered to their homes.
- The water board estimates that it will take until at least 6am on Sunday for supply to resume to all customers in the area.
Introduction to the Water Shortage
The town of Tunbridge Wells in Kent has been gripped by a water shortage, leaving tens of thousands of people without running water or with low pressure. The situation has been caused by a shut down at the Pembury Water Treatment Works, which has resulted in low drinking water stocks. South East Water has apologized for the situation and has set up bottled water stations to help those affected. However, these stations have been overwhelmed with demand, with one station at the Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre temporarily closing due to low supplies.
Impact on Residents
The water shortage has had a significant impact on residents in the area, with many expressing frustration and disappointment at the disruption. Some people have reported waiting hours to pick up bottled water, while others have been forced to rely on friends and family for support. One resident, Nicola Hodgson, told the BBC that her husband had unsuccessfully tried to get water supplies at the sports centre, and that her children had to go to their grandmother’s house so they could have access to drinking water and working toilets. Another resident expressed anger on Facebook, stating that a lorry full of bottled water was unable to be unloaded due to a lack of representation from South East Water.
Effect on Local Businesses
The water shortage has also had a significant impact on local businesses, with many forced to close due to the lack of running water. Indian takeaway Spice Fusion told its customers that it would remain closed due to the water interruption, which makes it impossible for them to operate safely and maintain their hygiene standards. The landlady of the Black Horse pub, Teresa Barrett, also said that she had no choice but to close, as her pub had been without water since midnight. She added that the hospitality industry was losing an "extreme amount of money" due to the disruption.
Response from South East Water
South East Water has said that it is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and has apologized for the inconvenience caused to its customers. The company has estimated that it will take until at least 6am on Sunday for supply to resume to all customers in the area. In the meantime, South East Water is delivering bottles of water to priority customers who are unable to collect water in person. The company has also set up bottled water stations, although these have been subject to overcrowding and temporarily closures due to low supplies.
Ongoing Support
Despite the challenges, South East Water is working to support its customers during this time. The company has a Priority Services Register, which allows customers to receive additional support during times of disruption. Customers who are on this register and are unable to collect water in person will have bottles delivered to their homes. South East Water is also working to find alternative bottled water stations, after one station was forced to close due to a winter festival. The company is urging customers to check its website and social media for updates on the situation and to contact its customer care team if they have any concerns.
Conclusion
The water shortage in Tunbridge Wells has had a significant impact on residents and businesses in the area. While South East Water is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, the situation has highlighted the importance of access to clean drinking water. The company’s efforts to support its customers, including the delivery of bottled water to priority customers, are welcome, but more needs to be done to prevent such disruptions in the future. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that South East Water provides regular updates and support to its customers, and that residents and businesses are prepared for any further disruptions.