Water companies have been urged to consider discretionary compensation for customers who have been left without supplies for several days.

Defra minister Therese Coffey said companies would be called to account for the way they have responded to the weather crisis which left thousands of Kent residents with no water.

Ms Coffey said the regulator Ofwat would carry out a review of how firms reacted amid continuing criticism that they were inadequately prepared.

She also urged companies to consider discretionary compensation to customers who have been cut off since the thaw began.

MPs were told today that around 2,000 homes in Kent and Sussex would be reconnected by the end of the day.

Around 1,000 homes have no supplies in the Charing, Challock and Molash areas around Ashford.

Ms Coffey said: “Water companies have been working hard to rectify the situation but I fully understand the frustrations of people in trying to contact their water company.”

In a statement to MPs, the minister said: “Once the situation is restored to normal we expect OFWAT to review the performance of the companies during this period.

"This government actively supports a properly regulated water sector. We have high expectations of water companies on increasing their investment in their water and sewerage networks.”

Ms Coffey added: “The challenge the sector faces is the sheer number of bursts following the rapid change in weather across multiple companies’ networks. Many of these have been relatively small and difficult to detect; some of the loss of pressure is due to leaks in private homes and businesses.”

She said water companies were working hard to address the issues.

On regulation of the industry, she said Ofwat was doing a good job but the government would, if necessary, give it more powers to act against water companies.