Major Incident Declared in Kent and Sussex Amid Widespread Water Outages

Schools across the region have been forced to close as the disruption spreads. To assist residents, authorities have established collection points for bottled water.

The shortages in Hollingbourne stem from neighboring water companies failing to provide bulk supplies of treated water. Officials also cite Storm Goretti and a power cut at South East Water's pumping plant as primary causes.

Queen Victoria Hospital in Hollingbourne is now conducting appointments virtually to cope with the crisis. Meanwhile, repair crews remain on-site as works continue.

School closures have hit Lower Street in Leeds, Ulcombe C of E Primary School, and Speldhurst in Tunbridge Wells. Some customers face a grim timeline, with warnings that water may not return until Tuesday.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate labeled the shutdown 'unforeseen,' a claim that contradicts allegations that the company failed to update infrastructure or conduct proper testing.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh met with South East Water executives to express her disappointment, slamming the company’s communication as 'completely unacceptable.'

South East Water has issued an apology to residents. The company currently faces numerous burst mains triggered by freezing conditions.

Residents and campaign groups allege chronic underinvestment in the network. Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, demanded the chair of South East Water 'convene the board and get a grip of what's going on.'

Martin added: 'We've privatised water and they are accountable to no-one.' Alistair Carmichael MP also questioned the 'accuracy and intent' of evidence provided by the company's leadership.

In Eastbourne, separate problems were reportedly caused by 'essential network changes.'