Villagers could be without regular access to water for nearly two weeks.

Residents of Newington, near Sittingbourne, have been told supply to their homes could be cut off until September 18.

It is due to Southern Water carrying out detection work for a leak coming from a water main in the area.

A spokesman for the utility company said: “We’re doing enhanced leakage detection in this area of Sittingbourne – known as step testing.

“This means during very quiet periods overnight, some customers will notice a loss of supply for short periods.

“The work will only take place overnight between 10pm and 6am – when pressure is highest and water consumption is at its lowest - and the impact on customers will be not be as noticeable.

“We’re sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this will cause.”

Step testing allows engineers to find the exact location of a leak.

The flow of water is measured while valves are shut off in sequence to pinpoint problem areas.

Southern Water say they have written to customers informing them of the works.