Thousands of people in Kent have been asked to use water only for essential purposes due to supply issues caused by extremely high demand during the ongoing heatwave. South East Water reported that approximately 18,000 customers are experiencing intermittent water supply after reservoirs were drained over the bank holiday weekend as temperatures soared.
Essential Use Only
The company urged residents to set aside water for essential uses such as drinking, washing, and cooking. Matthew Dean, head of operations control at South East Water, stated: Around 18,000 customers across Kent are still experiencing water supply issues due to extremely high demand during the very hot weather. He added that the company is doing everything possible to replenish reservoirs, but some customers will continue to have intermittent supply until levels are restored.
Dean emphasised: We are continuing to ask customers in supply to use water for essential purposes only – for drinking, washing and cooking. The company is also providing bottled water to vulnerable customers. On Tuesday, South East Water pumped 660 million litres across the region, more than 100 million litres above the daily average.
Record Heat and Safety Warnings
The heatwave follows the hottest May day on record for both England and Wales on Tuesday, with Kew Gardens reaching 35.1C and Cardiff Bute Park hitting 32.9C, according to the Met Office. The hot weather is expected to persist, with temperatures forecast to reach 30C in the South East on Thursday.
Rescue charities are urging people to stay safe in water after seven children died in swimming-related incidents during the heatwave. Police named 12-year-old Junior Slater, who drowned in Lancashire, with his family describing him as the life and soul of our lives. In Cheshire, police recovered a body believed to be a 17-year-old boy who went missing at Pickmere Lake. The family of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who died at Swanholme Lakes in Lincolnshire, also paid tribute. The Royal Life Saving Society pleaded for everyone to stop and think before entering water, noting that warmer weather correlates with an increase in accidental drownings and that water temperatures remain very cold despite warm air.
