Schools shut again as water supply issues continue

Several schools in Sussex and Kent have been forced to close again due to ongoing water supply problems.

Issues began on Saturday, with South East Water (SEW) blaming the disruption on the impact of Storm Goretti and a power outage at its pumping station.

On Tuesday, the company said about 25,000 customers still had no water or were experiencing intermittent supplies.

Ulcombe Church of England Primary in Kent is impacted, as well as East Grinstead schools Sackville School, Imberhorne, Estcots Primary, Ashurst Primary and The Meads Primary.

SEW, which has apologised, said on its website on Wednesday morning that there were 12 ongoing interruptions across its network.

The BBC has asked the water company how many customers are still affected.

The primary school in Ulcombe said online learning would be provided for pupils, and other schools have urged parents to contact them for updates.

Several schools in the counties were also closed on Monday and Tuesday because of the lack of water.

Incident manager Matthew Dean previously said some of the issues were connected to the recent cold weather and a subsequent breakout of leaks and bursts across the area that left drinking water storage tanks running low.

Water regulator Ofwat said it was concerned about the supply problems amid calls for it to take action again SEW.

Several MPs have also been calling for SEW boss David Hinton, who earns a base salary of £400,000 and was paid a £115,000 bonus in 2025, to step down or to be removed from his role.

Five bottled stations were open on Tuesday across East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

On Monday, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran wrote on X that a "major incident" had been declared.

The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead also said some appointments may have to be carried out virtually.

SEW has been approached for further details.