BREAKING: Boil water notice lifted for 24,000 Tunbridge Wells customers
South East Water say it is with immediate effect
Last updated 12th Dec 2025
The precautionary boil water notice affecting 24,000 households and businesses in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas has been lifted with immediate effect, South East Water has announced.
Residents and businesses can now use tap water for drinking, food preparation, and everyday tasks without boiling it first, following extensive testing and changes to the water treatment process.
South East Water implemented the boil notice on 3rd December after issues emerged at its Pembury Water Treatment Works, which temporarily shut down due to sudden changes in the natural composition of the water it abstracts from the surrounding wells and springs.
Douglas Whitfield, Water Supply Director at South East Water, said, “Tap water in Tunbridge Wells is safe to drink and can now be used for everyday tasks without being boiled. We are very sorry for the difficult and frustrating time our customers have experienced since late November.”
Mr Whitfield explained the testing conducted to ensure the water’s safety. "Before tap water leaves any of our water treatment works, it undergoes extensive testing."
"On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November, Pembury Water Treatment Works shut down automatically because the water did not meet strict regulatory standards."
“For reasons we are continuing to investigate, the natural make-up of the water we abstract from the wells and springs around Pembury changed suddenly. It is very unusual for this to happen. It meant the way in which the raw water needed to be treated had to change and we tested a variety of solutions, whilst consulting industry experts."
During the boil notice period, water at Pembury was chemically safe, and samples showed no bacteria had been detected. The decision to pump water with a boil notice was made to help customers flush toilets and carry out other day-to-day activities.
Next steps and compensation
South East Water has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the incident and implement actions to prevent similar occurrences and improve resilience.
Mr Whitfield said, “We will undertake a full review of what happened and how we responded. Compensation will be put in place for affected customers, and we will do everything we can to rebuild trust of the communities we serve.”
Further information about the boil notice and its resolution can be found on South East Water’s website at southeastwater.co.uk/boil-notice.