13 January 2026 – Drinking Water Inspectorate investigating loss of supply incidents affecting Kent and Sussex
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (the Inspectorate) is aware of several loss of water supply incidents affecting customers in parts of Kent and Sussex, which have been reported by South East Water.
The Inspectorate is the drinking water quality regulator for England and Wales and enforces The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022. The Inspectorate has commenced an investigation into the incidents, which will include consideration of the circumstances leading up to the loss of supply, the actions taken by the company during the event, and its communications with consumers.
The Inspectorate will take appropriate enforcement action, within its statutory powers, where required, to protect public health and to plan and prepare for loss of supply incidents.
Consumers should follow the advice provided by South East Water if they are within the affected areas and should contact South East Water in the first instance if they require further information or wish to raise concerns.
Notes to editors:
- The Inspectorate is the quality regulator for public water supplies in England and Wales. The Inspectorate checks that water companies supply drinking water that is wholesome, safe and compliant with relevant legislation.
- The Inspectorate investigates all drinking water quality and supply events notified to us under the Information Direction (Information-Direction-2024.pdf), and will take enforcement action where there is sufficient evidence that a company has failed to meet its legal obligations, in line with its published Enforcement Policies (Enforcement Policies – Drinking Water Inspectorate).
- Water companies are responsible for the treatment, distribution and supply of drinking water, and for communicating with consumers during incidents.
- As the economic regulator Ofwat is responsible for licensing and financial regulation and oversees the Guaranteed Standards of Service (GSS) Standards of service – Ofwat.
- Consumer Council of Water (CCW) is the independent voice for water consumers.
- Matters relating to leadership and governance of South East Water were raised in Parliament through an urgent question on 12 January 2026 at 16:15 hrs. Further information can be viewed via Parliamentlive.tv – House of Commons.
- The Inspectorate will cooperate with any requests by the EFRA Committee, as is our duty to do so to support Parliament.
ENDS