Thousands of households across Kent and East Sussex continue to face strict boil water instructions following nearly a week of widespread supply disruptions. Although tap water has begun returning to many of the 24,000 affected homes, South East Water insists it remains unsafe to drink without boiling.
The company said the advisory will stay in place until at least Saturday, 13 December. During this period, residents must boil water before drinking it, cooking with it, or using it to brush their teeth. The measure, South East Water emphasised, is precautionary but essential to prevent any potential health risks.
According to the Drinking Water Inspectorate, water should be brought to a rolling boil to ensure bacteria or microorganisms are killed. Once boiled, it must be stored in a clean, covered container to cool before use.
While South East Water has stressed there is currently no evidence of contamination, the supply flowing through the network does not yet meet regulatory standards for safe consumption.
As a result, the company warns that vulnerable individuals—including young children, older residents, and those with weakened immune systems—may face a higher risk if unboiled water is consumed.
Hugh Pennington, professor emeritus in Bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, noted that drinking water that has not been properly disinfected could lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms over several days. Although healthy adults are less likely to fall seriously ill, he said the risks cannot be dismissed.
Households can use the returning water for non-consumption activities, South East Water confirmed. Tasks such as flushing toilets, showering, and handwashing are considered safe as the water is “chemically safe,” though it should not be used to wash babies or young children.
Parents preparing formula for infants must boil tap water first to ensure proper sterilisation, NHS community health officials advised. Similarly, brushing teeth, rinsing food, washing dishes, or wiping kitchen surfaces should only be done using boiled water or bottled alternatives.
Bottled water stations have been set up across the affected areas, allowing residents to collect supplies while the boil notice remains active. Many households have continued to rely on these distribution points as restoration efforts progress slowly.
The disruption has impacted communities in Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, and parts of East Sussex, including Frant. South East Water said significant progress has been made toward restoring normal supply, but full safety clearance requires extensive testing and system flushing.
Residents have expressed frustration over the extended timeline, particularly with the approach of winter and increasing household demand. The company acknowledged the strain on local communities but maintained that ensuring public health remains its top priority.
As testing continues and system pressures stabilise, further updates are expected in the coming days. Until then, households across the region are urged to remain cautious and follow the boil water guidelines strictly.
South East Water said it is working “around the clock” to bring the situation under control and apologised for the disruption. For many residents, however, the wait for fully safe water continues.
