Council Information
Water Supply & Leaks
Recent disruptions to water supply from South East Water has spread throughout Kent. As it stands to date since November 2025, 11 Boroughs and Districts in Kent have fallen victim to disruptions in their fresh water supply including, intermittent flow, low pressure or complete outage.
Report leaks immediately!
Visit https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/emergencies/report-a-leak/
Current Update 13/01/2026
Due to the continued failures by South East Water, as of Sunday 11th January KCC and many Tier 2 authorities such as T&MBC, issued a Major Emergency Incident, with KCC taking over as the Lead Emergency Authority effective immediately.
Whilst the supply to Wrotham was mainly returned by Sunday the 11th evening, many areas continue to experience outages and interruptions in supply. Advised by the Kent County Council Emergency Planning and Control Officer, Cllr Harry Rayner passed on the news to residents that
“The water pressure may not be that which usually applies, at least at commencement of supply. As given to me the situation in the week (possibly weeks) ahead is going to be both ‘spotty and patchy. It is the current intention of SEW to supply water during the day and evening so far as possible. It is likely that water supply will cease around 9-10pm with no overnight supply whilst local reservoirs are filled. The situation is that there have been so many leaks caused (apparently) by very cold weather and recent damage to pumping stations that currently more water is leaving the system than entering.”
During this period WPC advises all residents to take steps to mitigate the effects of further potential outages, and urges all residents to minimize and conserve their water usage wherever possible such as:
- Use empty bottles from your household recycling to refill with drinking water
- Take shower instead of baths, do full loads of washing & use Eco settings on white good appliances
- Do not leave taps running whilst brushing teeth, soaping hands etc.
- Do not panic bulk-buy drinking water from shops or supermarkets. Other neighboring areas may be experiencing an outage and may need access to these stocks. Save what you can, while you can
- Keep buckets to hand for NON-DRINKING WATER ie rain water from water butts, baths or washing up water for flushing toilets in the event of an outage
In the event of an outage updates should be posted on the South East Water website and residents can sign up for text updates
https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/works-and-outages/
Further more detailed information will be posted as and when available.