South East Water is facing an investigation by industry regulator Ofwat following repeated supply outages that have left tens of thousands of households and businesses across Kent and Sussex without water since November.
The regulator said it was examining whether the supplier met its obligations on customer service and provided adequate support to those affected during the disruptions.
The latest outage has seen thousands of properties without drinking water for a sixth consecutive day. South East Water attributed the interruption to the effects of Storm Goretti, which caused burst pipes and power cuts across the region.
Tunbridge Wells was particularly badly affected during November and December, when around 24,000 properties experienced almost two weeks without safe drinking water. Local businesses and residents reported major disruption to daily life, including difficulty accessing essential services.
Lynn Parker, senior director for enforcement at Ofwat, said: “The last six weeks have been miserable for businesses and households across Kent and Sussex with repeated supply problems.
“We know that this has had a huge impact on all parts of daily life and hurt businesses, particularly in the run-up to the festive period. That is why we need to investigate and to determine whether the company has breached its licence condition.”
Ofwat’s investigation will consider whether South East Water provided clear information and practical assistance to affected customers during each supply failure. The outcome could result in regulatory action if the company is found to have failed to meet its standards.
The ongoing disruptions have prompted local authorities and residents to demand urgent improvements to water infrastructure, while customers continue to face uncertainty over when full service will be restored.
