GB News correspondent Sam Francis has delivered a stark update on the escalating water emergency gripping the South East as tens of thousands of Britons now face a fifth consecutive day without water.
Roughly 25,000 properties across Kent and Sussex remain without reliable supply, with residents experiencing either completely dry taps or sporadic service at best.
Speaking about the situation on GB News, Sam explained: “We are now into day five of what has become a serious water crisis across the South East, with around 25,000 homes affected.
“Let’s take a look at this map, which gives a clear picture of where the worst-hit areas are. Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Whitstable and parts of West Sussex are all impacted. For many people, taps are either completely dry or working only intermittently.
“So what’s gone wrong? South East Water is blaming a combination of Storm Goretti, freezing temperatures in recent weeks, and a power failure at a pumping station. The company says those issues have led to unexpectedly low reservoir levels and burst pipes across the network.
“But this is why people are so angry. Just two weeks ago, more than 24,000 homes in Tunbridge Wells were also left without water.
“Now many of the same families are once again without supply and some are being told it may not be fixed until the weekend.
GB News host Stephen Dixon said: “I mean, that’s grim, Sam. What do people actually meant to do then if they don’t have any water right now?”
Sam Francis delivered an update on the ongoing crisis
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GB NEWS
“Right now, there are very limited options. South East Water says it has deployed 26 water tankers and distributed around 5,700 bottles so far. People on the priority services register may be eligible for home deliveries details are on the South East Water website.
“For everyone else, bottled water collection points are the main option. This morning, areas such as East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells appear to be the best places to head to.
Co-host Ellie Costello asked: “And is anyone being held responsible for this?”
Sam explained: “That’s the key question and it’s why the boss of South East Water is now under serious pressure.
“Local MP Mike Martin, who is overseeing the crisis response, has described the situation as a ‘complete shambles’ and says the company’s chief executive, Dave Hinton, ‘must go’.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WATER CRISIS
People in Kent and Sussex have been left with no water
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GB NEWS
“Hinton has now been summoned back to Parliament to face a select committee hearing, as the Government promises to hold South East Water to account for what it says are repeated failures.”
The crisis has prompted Kent County Council to declare a major incident, with communities spanning a wide geographical area bearing the brunt of the disruption.
Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Whitstable and sections of West Sussex are among the worst-affected locations, according to Francis’s report.
The Consumer Council for Water has criticised the situation as “not good enough,” arguing that the network repeatedly buckles during periods of extreme weather and requires substantially greater investment.
Water regulator Ofwat has expressed concern over the recurring problems and confirmed it is actively investigating South East Water’s supply resilience.
South East Water has mobilised 26 water tankers across the affected region and distributed approximately 5,700 bottles to date.
Collection points for bottled water have been established, with East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells currently serving as the primary locations for residents to obtain supplies.
Those registered on the company’s priority services scheme may qualify for home deliveries, with further details available through the South East Water website.
The firm has acknowledged that restoring supplies must proceed gradually due to the extensive pipe network, as rushing the process risks causing additional damage.
Engineers continue working to complete emergency repairs, with the company stating that customers in Sussex should expect water to return by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Water Minister Emma Hardy has instructed Ofwat to investigate the matter, with the regulator confirming it will review all evidence before determining whether the company has met its legal obligations regarding customer care.