The Drinking Water Inspectorate has launched an investigation into loss of supply incidents affecting Kent and Sussex.

The House of Commons  Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee is recalling the senior leadership of South East Water for another evidence session - the Committee’s concerns are growing as SEW disputes the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s account of  the circumstances around recent water supply failures at the water company.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has confirmed that it has identified possible failures by Defra and the Environment Agency (EA) to comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations, one of the key laws in place to protect and improve the quality of our rivers, lakes and seas.

Water companies are now legally required to produce annual pollution reduction plans for the first time, using detailed instructions published today - failure to publish plans will be a criminal offence for companies and their CEOs.

House of Commons EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP has written to Chris Train, Chair of South East Water, to urgently seek clarity regarding evidence that was given to MPs yesterday.

The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee will quiz the South East Water Chief and head of the Drinking Water Inspectorate next week over the Tunbridge Wells supply failure as part of its ongoing inquiry into reforming the water sector.