South East Water has apologised to all of its customers across Kent that are experiencing ongoing water supply issues, driven by high demand for water.

Updates on the water company’s website and Twitter/X, which include a graphic showing daily water demand across its region from 20 to 26 May, are attributing the problems with supply to water demand across its network remaining high following the hot weather. 

South East Water’s bottled water stations which closed for the evening yesterday reopened at 8am this morning.

A service update released by South East Water entitled “Spring Heatwave 2026” says:

“We're sorry to customers experiencing water supply issues. Exceptionally high temperatures have, as expected, created very high demand for tap water supplies.

“Despite planning for very high demand given the weather forecasts, by increasing output at our water treatment works across our supply area and putting extra water into the network, we're experiencing low storage across our supply area.

“For those in supply, we now need your help. Please use water for essential purposes only: drinking, washing and cooking.”

The company has also released a video update from Nick Price, Head of Water Resources explaining more about the ongoing water supply issues and the work taking place across its network.

https://vimeo.com/1195942561?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

South East Water is also suggesting a number of ways in which customers can help conserve water, including:

Stop using jet washes, hosepipes and sprinklers. Swap paddling pools for water blasters to keep kids cool and the car and patio can wait for a wash.

Think about where you can swap tap water for recycled water. Reuse water from baths, showers and sinks in the garden.

Act now, please do all you can to cut down on everything but essential water use, which is drinking, washing and cooking.