Water supply restored to 7,400 properties in Kent, South East Water says

Drinking water supplies have been restored to approximately 7,600 properties in Kent, as revealed by South East Water (SEW). The disruptions affected over 8,000 customers due to prolonged hot weather, high demand, pipe bursts, and power issues. Properties in Herne Bay, Rough Common, and Blean have had their water supplies restored, but 400 properties in Benenden, Cranbrook, and Rolvenden still experience low pressure or no water.

SEW urges all customers to use water only for essential purposes. Mike Court, SEW incident manager, notes that water levels in the storage tank supplying Benenden, Cranbrook, and Rolvenden remain critically low and continues to urge residents to limit their water use. The Weald Sports Centre in Cranbrook now has a reopened bottled water station, serving as the worst-affected area alongside Benenden.

Kavanagh Cinema and the William Street Car Park in Herne Bay are among those still struggling with the water supply issue. Residents, including pub owner Lucy Barron-Reid, have faced significant challenges, with the pub being unable to open its kitchen due to the lack of water. SEW head of health and safety, Mike Pickard, apologizes for the ongoing disruptions and emphasizes that no one should face threats or violence for doing their job.

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) has criticized the company's performance, demanding a step change in prioritizing customers' needs.