Published • loading... • Updated
Homes across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire without water during heatwave
South East Water said 18,000 customers in Kent still faced interruptions as crews worked to restore supplies during the heatwave.
- Around 18,000 customers across Kent remain without reliable water supply as of Tuesday, following record-breaking May temperatures that triggered unprecedented demand on South East Water's network over the bank holiday weekend.
- The disruption began Saturday, May 23, 2026, when temperatures reached 30.5C in Frittenden, causing surging demand across the region. South East Water pumped 660 million litres on Tuesday—more than 100 million litres above the normal daily average.
- To manage shortages, the company increased treatment output and operated tanker fleets 24/7, yet residents faced long queues at bottled water stations. Drivers experienced significant tailbacks near Altira Business Park in Herne Bay while collecting supplies.
- Disruptions forced Beltinge Surgery in Herne Bay to close, with appointments transferred to a sister site in town. Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde called the situation "appalling," citing delays caused by the need to access private land.
- A Met Office study indicates climate change has made breaking May temperature records three times more likely, suggesting future supply challenges may intensify. Officials urge residents to conserve water as the UK Health Security Agency's amber heat-health alert remains active.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
9 Articles
9 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Thousands in Kent hit with water supply issues after heatwave
Thousands of people in Kent have been asked to use water for essential reasons only because of supply issues caused by high demand in the heatwave, as the hot weather led to record-breaking temperatures for May.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Sky News UK+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Homes across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire without water during heatwave
Water supply issues are currently affecting about 700 customers of South East Water and Anglian Water across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire, leaving them without water on the hottest day of the year.
·United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 38%
C 50%
12%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
