Thousands of homes and businesses in Kent and Sussex have been left without water or experiencing low pressure after major water mains burst, as the UK braces for a potentially record-breaking heatwave. South East Water confirmed emergency repairs are under way following separate bursts on Lade Wood Hill in Sittingbourne, Kent, and Northlands Avenue in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.
Emergency repairs underway
In a statement, South East Water apologised to customers affected by the disruption. A spokesperson said: "We're really sorry to those of you who are experiencing low water pressure or no water at the moment. This has been caused by a burst main which we are trying to fix as quickly as we can. As soon as the repairs have been completed, your water will return to normal."
The company has not disclosed how many properties have been affected, but warned it could not yet estimate when supplies would be fully restored. A road closure has been implemented in Sittingbourne to allow engineers to carry out repairs to the damaged pipework.
Heatwave adds pressure
The disruption comes as forecasters warn temperatures could climb as high as 38°C next week, raising fears of increased pressure on already stretched water supplies. The Met Office said there is growing confidence that the UK's longstanding June temperature record could be broken in the coming days. The current June record of 35.6°C was set in Southampton in 1976.
Meteorologists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change, with the UK experiencing a succession of exceptionally warm years. Last year was officially the hottest UK summer since records began, with a mean temperature of 16.1°C recorded between June and August. Four heatwaves were recorded during the season, while the highest temperature reached 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent.
Memories of 1976 drought
The prospect of extreme heat has revived memories of the summer of 1976, one of the most severe droughts in modern British history. That year saw 15 consecutive days with temperatures of at least 32°C, while parts of England and Wales went 36 days without any rainfall. Water shortages became so severe that emergency legislation was introduced, standpipes appeared in streets and rationing measures were imposed in some areas. In south-east Wales, water supplies were cut off for up to 17 hours a day for several weeks, while businesses were ordered to slash consumption.
With temperatures forecast to rise sharply again, water companies are urging customers to use supplies carefully while repair teams work to restore normal service to affected communities in Kent and Sussex. For thousands currently facing dry taps, the race is now on to get water flowing again before the hottest weather arrives.
