Kent and East Sussex villages see water supplies returning

Some villages across Kent and East Sussex have had their water supplies returned following days of disruption.

South East Water said supplies were now flowing in Challock and Molash, Kent, which first saw interruptions on 16 July.

Supplies have returned to villages near Maidstone, as well as most of the affected areas in East Sussex.

The firm said the recent heatwave, burst pipes and high demand had caused "a number of challenges".

Customers in Wadhurst, Robertsbridge and Etchingham in East Sussex were without water, or had low pressure, after two pipes burst.

The water supplier said: "We're in the process of restoring supplies to the area by removing airlocks which are preventing water from reaching some properties."

It warned that water may appear brown or cloudy when it returns but reassured customers it was "completely harmless" and could be resolved by running a cold mains tap until clear.

Residents in the villages of Coxheath, Ulcombe, Loose and Headcorn in Kent were similarly affected but water supplies have since returned.

In a statement, South East Water apologised and said it had "considered imposing a temporary hosepipe ban to reduce water use" but opted to ask customers to voluntarily stop using their hoses in the hope it would have the same effect and increase water flow during a "period of extremely high demand".

South East Water added: "We are monitoring supply and demand in our network every day, and will review this decision should factors change."

The company said a bottled water station at Coxheath Village Hall, Kent, will close at 21:00 BST and will not reopen on Wednesday.

Another water station at Flimwell Village Hall in East Sussex is also set to close at at 21:00 BST on Tuesday, although it is unknown if it will reopen on Wednesday.

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