Power cuts threatened to cut off water to Deal as Storm Eunice ripped through Kent.

Engineers from Southern Water had to remotely reset pumping equipment at reservoirs serving the town to ensure vital supplies were not disrupted.

Andy Beebee, who led one of the company's drinking water incident teams, said: “Power outages in Kent caused problems for reservoirs supplying Deal.

"The most difficult moment came at 4am yesterday (Sunday) when a major power outage closed nearly 30 water treatment and water pumping stations including ones vital for Deal.

"But hard work by teams on the ground and in our Network Management Centre kept customers in supply."

He said an investment in remote control units meant staff were able to reset equipment without having to drive to the site.

But he added: “As a precaution, we delivered bottled water to more than 500 people on our priority service register and also prepared bottled water stations.”

'Enough bottled water for 40,000 customers'

Southern Water said its crisis response teams kept most taps flowing and toilets flushing across its region.

Chief operating officer Lawrence Gosden said the impact of bad weather had been minimised because the water firm had installed 45 mobile generators at sites with a further 25 in reserve.

Eight water tankers were on stand-by and 85 additional waste water tankers were available.

Enough bottled water was stockpiled at key locations to serve 40,000 customers.

Mr Gosden said: “We’ve had very many sites hit by power outages but prudent pre-event mobilisation and crisis response has kept our customers served in all but a small number of places. Strong winds and power outages continue so continued vigilance is needed.”

'No major spills or pollutions'

He said fewer than 400 customers lost water supplies across the region which stretches from the Isle of Wight to Thanet.

John Penicud, head of waste water treatment, admitted: "We have faced challenges across the region with hundreds of waste water sites, ranging from treatment sites to the smallest pumping stations, losing power.

"We still have more than 250 sites with no mains power but we have around 25 mobile generators out across the network supporting the most crucial sites."

He added: "We are pleased that currently we have had no major spills or pollutions and this has been no mean feat. All our customers continued to be able to use their facilities as normal.”

To report water issues, call 0330 3030368.