4 December 2025 – Drinking Water Inspectorate investigating South East Water incident
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is aware of an event affecting water supplies in the Pembury and Tunbridge Wells area, and is aware that South East Water (the company) has served a boil water notice to consumers. The Inspectorate has commenced a full investigation into the incident, which will include the company’s actions in the lead up to, during and after the event. This investigation will also include a review of the company’s communications with consumers to protect public health.
Consumers should follow the advice provided by South East Water if they are within the affected area and should contact South East Water if they require further information. Should you still have concerns regarding water quality, these should be directed to the company in the first instance. We may contact you as part of our investigation of the event. Please complete this form Tunbridge Wells – loss of supply should you wish to be contacted.
The Inspectorate is in the process of gathering information which will support the event assessment. This assessment will include a complete evaluation of the contributing risks. As this is a live investigation the Inspectorate is unable to provide further details, as it has powers to bring forward enforcement action or legal proceedings should there be sufficient evidence to do so.
Notes:
- The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the quality regulator for public water supplies in England and Wales. The Inspectorate checks that water companies in England and Wales supply drinking water that does not put consumers at risk, and that drinking water is wholesome and complies with the relevant legislation.
- The Inspectorate investigates all drinking water quality events in England and Wales and will take enforcement action should there be sufficient evidence that an offence was committed, where the company does not have a defence that it took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence, and when such a prosecution is regarded as being in the public interest.
- Water companies are responsible for the treatment and distribution of drinking water and, where failures occur, they must decide on the appropriate action to protect the health of consumers and comply with the relevant legislation. During an event the Inspectorate is responsible for investigating the actions taken by water companies, where required, and assessing whether the actions taken by companies are in accordance with The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016.