Summary
About 24,000 homes in Kent and East Sussex, UK, have been advised to boil their tap water due to a recurring water quality issue. South East Water (SEW) announced that safe drinking water from the Pembury treatment works cannot be produced due to a "bad chemical batch." Residents and businesses are affected, with schools closed and bottled water stations set up.
Key Facts
- About 24,000 homes in Kent and East Sussex are affected by water quality problems.
- Residents are advised to boil tap water before drinking due to safety concerns.
- The issue involves a "bad chemical batch," causing water treatment problems.
- Prime Minister spoke about the issue in Parliament, acknowledging SEW's failure to restore safe water quickly.
- Local businesses report potential financial losses due to the water issues.
- The situation has been declared a "major incident" by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
- Bottled water stations have been set up to provide residents with safe water.
- Dr. Neil Hudson from SEW stated they cannot meet regulatory standards for drinking water currently.
