Boil water alert in Kent and East Sussex: what you need to know
Is tap water safe following Kent and Sussex supply chaos?
The boil water notice is expected to last 10 days
Up to 24,000 households in Kent and East Sussex are facing a fifth day of water chaos.
South East Water (SEW) has struggled to restore water supplies to Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, Frant and Eridge since Saturday due to an issue at a treatment works.
The water company issued a 10-day boil water notice for affected customers on Wednesday.
But what does that mean in practice? Here are your questions answered.
What is going on?
SEW is advising affected customers to boil their water before drinking it, washing and preparing food, and brushing their teeth.
It recommends doing the same with water for pets, but warns water should be cooled first.
Boiling water for one minute is enough, according to the water company.
It added that people should check neighbours know what to do and help them if needed.
Why is this necessary?
SEW says monitoring has shown that drinking water is not up to its “usual high quality”.
It stressed boiling was a “precautionary measure”.
The water company said previously Pembury Water Treatment Works had stopped working “due to a bad chemical batch”.
What happens if I drink tap water?
Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, SEW head of water quality Dr Neil Hudson said there was a “very low” risk for healthy individuals.
He explained the disinfection process of tap water had potentially “not worked quite as well” as normal.
The water company wanted to “get the message out” to “minimise the risk”, Dr Hudson added.
SEW urged anyone who felt unwell and lived in the affected area to seek medical attention.
What about washing myself or the dishes?
Tap water can be used for washing and bathing, according to SEW.
It is “best practice” to do the dishes with boiled water, it continued.
Can I use the dishwasher?
SEW says dishwashers can be used if they are set to a temperature of 65°C or above.
Do water filters help?
SEW says water filters do not help.
“Domestic filters and cartridges may trap contamination,” it warns. “Do not use water filters instead of boiling.”
How much does it cost to boil water?
“Despite the recent increase in the price of energy, the cost of boiling a 2 litre electric kettle is just 6 pence,” SEW says.
It claimed the impact on energy bills would be “minimal”.
SEW customers are entitled to financial compensation for supply interruptions.
Those who have no mains water are entitled to £30 for the initial period and then £30 for each further period of 12 hours.
What about my children’s school?
Several schools have been closed due to water supply problems.
Pupils and teachers should follow the same advice as for households.
Please consult with your individual school to find out more information.
How long is this going to last?
SEW has put the boil water notice in place for 10 days from Wednesday.
“At this stage we cannot give you a definite timescale,” it said.
“However, we are working round the clock to restore normal water supplies.
“We will let you know when your supply is back to its usual high standards.”
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.