The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) issued a public alert on 13 January 2026 regarding a series of loss of supply incidents affecting customers served by South East Water in parts of Kent and Sussex. The incidents were associated with high demand during a cold weather period combined with infrastructure pressure events at several distribution points.

What happened

Loss of supply events — sometimes called "loss of pressure" incidents — occur when water pressure in the distribution network drops below acceptable levels. This can happen during peak demand, burst main events, or planned maintenance. In January 2026, a combination of freezing temperatures, increased demand, and at least two burst main incidents in the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells supply areas led to intermittent supply interruptions for tens of thousands of customers.

The DWI alert required South East Water to submit a detailed incident report within 24 hours, implement emergency response measures including tanker deployment, and notify affected customers through its standard communications channels.

Water quality implications

Loss of supply incidents can create a risk of contamination if atmospheric pressure allows ingress into the pipe network when pressure drops. South East Water issued precautionary boil water advice to a subset of affected customers while bacteriological testing was carried out. The DWI confirmed that all subsequent water quality samples taken in the affected zones passed compliance tests.

About South East Water

South East Water supplies approximately 2.3 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. The company operates across a network that includes both soft and hard water zones — hardness varies significantly across its supply area.

MyTapWater data shows South East Water's supply zones range from moderately hard to very hard water, with some zones in the chalk aquifer areas exceeding 300 mg/L CaCO₃.

What to do if you experience a supply interruption

  • Contact your water company's emergency number immediately
  • Follow any boil water advice issued for your area
  • Check the DWI's incident register for formal notifications
  • Enter your postcode above to see your specific supply zone's quality record

Source: DWI incident alert register, January 2026; South East Water customer communications.