South East Water Promises Upgrades After Major Supply Disruptions

South East Water says it is speeding up improvements to its treatment facilities following a series of major supply failures affecting customers across Sussex and Kent.

Tens of thousands of households were left without water for several days in January, after earlier disruption impacted around 24,000 properties in and around Tunbridge Wells before Christmas.

Chief Executive David Hinton said the company is taking urgent action to reduce the risk of future outages and improve its response.

Measures already underway include installing backup batteries to prevent power-related failures, adding temporary water storage, and bringing forward upgrades to treatment sites.

The company is also reviewing how it provides emergency supplies, including the location of bottled water stations.

An independent review into the recent incidents is due to be shared with the Government in April.

Consumer Council for Water said it expects the company to follow through on its commitments, while Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin welcomed the planned investment but said more detail is needed.

South East Water says the improvements will be delivered over the next six months, alongside a longer-term five-year investment programme, and insists the cost will not be passed directly onto customers.

The company remains under pressure from regulators, with Ofwat considering a £22 million fine over previous supply issues, while further investigations are ongoing.