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Water returned to Tonbridge and Sevenoaks but Bidborough still with low pressure says South East Water

Water supplies have returned to most homes several days after a power cut sparked issues.

Thousands of properties across Sevenoaks, Hildenborough, Bidborough, and Tonbridge were left with little or no pressure after a blackout at a major treatment works site on Saturday.

Thousands of homes had been left with no water or low water pressure since the weekend. Photo: istock/pocketlight
Thousands of homes had been left with no water or low water pressure since the weekend. Photo: istock/pocketlight

Today (January 30), South East Water confirmed that supplies should be returning to customers this morning.

However, the provider apologised to residents in the Bidborough area, particularly those on higher ground, who may still be having low-pressure problems.

Bottled water stations will be available at Sovereign Way East Car Park in Tonbridge and Speldhurst Village Hall in Tunbridge Wells.

A spokesperson said: “We have made good recovery across our network overnight and our teams managed to clear some of the air trapped in the network.

A bottled water station is being provided at the Sovereign Way East Car Park in Tonbridge
A bottled water station is being provided at the Sovereign Way East Car Park in Tonbridge

“Our teams are continuing work today to restore supplies to customers still affected as quickly as possible.

“If your water looks brown in colour, please don't worry as it is not harmful.

“This happens when small particles of iron within the mains are disturbed.

“Your water may also appear cloudy, or white. If you fill a glass of water and it clears from the bottom upwards then this means your water is just a little more aerated than usual.

“Simply run the water from your cold kitchen tap until the water is clear.”

Tonbridge Grammar School in Deakin Leas had to close due to water issues
Tonbridge Grammar School in Deakin Leas had to close due to water issues

Water issues first began at the weekend with 5,000 homes, businesses and schools affected.

South East Water had said it was working “tirelessly to restore drinking water supplies as swiftly as possible” to customers.

But yesterday, thousands of properties across Sevenoaks and Tonbridge were still without water leading to a number of schools having to close.

Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat said in the morning: “I am incredibly disappointed that many properties today remain without water.

“It is unacceptable that this issue has not been resolved yet.”

Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat
Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat

Today, KentOnline reported how household water bills in England are to rise by an average of £123 from April 1 - an increase of around £10 a month for most.

The average water and wastewater bill will increase from £480 to £603 for the next year alone.

It follows water firms facing huge problems with their drains, reservoirs and sewers meaning they need to spend billions on upgrading their systems.

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