Thousands of people have been left without running water across parts of North Sussex and have been asked to drive up to 8 Miles by car to collect bottled water.
The area affected stretches from Pease Pottage in the West through to Crowbroughin the East and on into Kent in Tunbridge Wells
Wattle bottle stations have been set up at a number of locations Tesco Superstore, Woodgate Corner, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4NE and East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, The Gearon Pavilion, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead, RH19 and East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, The Gearon Pavilion, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4JU.
South East Water has said “We’re really sorry to customers in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas that have experienced no water or low pressure.
The cold weather increases the level of bursts and leaks on our extensive underground network. This has caused our storage reservoir levels to drop.
It is impossible to predict which pipes will burst and where, so we have had crews working 24 hours a day to find and repair these bursts and leaks as quickly as possible.
We have also used tankers to inject more water into the system to keep supplies going for as long as possible.
We’re seeing a lot of demand on the network and ask you to check your lofts, airing cupboards, and outside taps for leaks.”
Map of affected areas
The larger town of Crowborough has over 20000 residents as of tonight and has NO water and NO water station, some people have been without running water since Saturday. People in Handcross and Pease postage are asked also to drive to East Ginrsted to collect bottles of water which is a 10-mile car journey each way.
Angry residents have taken to Social media
One Resident trying to buy water said “My husband has been to Crawley, Horsham, Broadbridge Heath, and all supermarkets are sold out.”
Another said “Do you propose to suggest that it is acceptable that the nearest water station for Pease Pottage residents is a 30-minute drive away, Assuming all residents have access to a vehicle? Absolutely disgusting! Zero water! Not even a trickle. And no indication of when it might again be available!”
A resident updated people after trying to purchase bottled water saying “I haven’t been able to find bottled water available anywhere in Crowborough”
South East Water is asking people without water to keep checking their website www.southeastwater.co.uk for updates.
