Herne Bay residents call for a return of water supply, as temperatures climb

Many across Kent have been suffering from intermittent water supply since the beginning of the bank holiday, leading to the creation of water bottle supply stations in Challock Village Hall, Ashford, Sainsbury’s, Altira Business Park, Herne Bay, and Sainsbury’s, Reeves Way, Whitstable.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Kent, several of those at the Herne Bay site told us how they were feeling.

One man said it was the day-to-day things that were a struggle:

"It's comes and goes. I mean, last night it was off. It came on about 3:00. It was on this morning, made a cup of tea.

"When it goes to showering, no water.

"So it's intermittent really. "

Another person told us the issue was causing uncertainty for the summer:

"This has happened multiple summers now in a row, and I feel we've only had a couple of days of hot weather, so yeah.

"We've got a whole summer to get through."

Others told us they were collecting water for family, friends and neighbours who were unable to make it to the site themselves. Most waited 10 - 20 minutes to receive bottles, though some said that queues earlier in the day had been significantly longer.

Herne Bay is one of several parts of Kent to be currently experiencing water issues, including Charing, Challock and Molash, Uncombe Hill in Maidstone, Radfall, Tankerton, Whitstable, Campion Crescent in Cranbook, Pilgrim's Way in Sevenoaks, and various parts of Ashford.

For many the issue started over the bank holiday, where temperatures reached record breaking highs, now the issue looks set to continue, as tomorrow sees temperatures soar.

South East water were asked for comment, their most recent online statement says:

"We are very sorry for the supply issues you are experiencing today.

"During the hot weather we are seeing increased water use in some areas which may mean you have no water.

"We're sorry about any change to your usual supply and reassure you that are teams are out working hard to restore your water pressure to a sufficient level so the pumps can restart as well as increasing our water efficiency campaigns to encourage everyone to help by using a little less water during the hot weather."