People in Tunbridge Wells are being told it could be ten days before they have drinking water
Liberal Democrats leader calls Tunbridge Wells water outage a "public health emergency"
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
People in Tunbridge Wells are now being told they may not have drinking water for ten days, according to South East Water.
Head of water quality, Dr Neil Hudson, says "non-drinking water should be restored by midday tomorrow but this is for washing and flushing toilets."
The boil notice could be in place for the next ten days, Dr Hudson saying they are working "as quickly as they can" to solve the water quality issue.
The ongoing crisis has been declared a "public health emergency" by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Prime Minister's Questions.
William Benson, Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, confirmed the declaration on Monday following South East Water's announcement of recurring water quality issues at the Pembury Water Treatment Works. “This situation is wholly unacceptable".
Mr Benson said “families are unable to carry out basic daily activities, and businesses have been hit hard, especially during what should be a profitable time of year.”
South East Water began pumping water back into the network at midday; however, the water is not safe for drinking or cooking unless boiled first.
A boil notice has been issued, advising affected residents that water can only be used for drinking after boiling and is otherwise safe for flushing toilets or showering.
Mike Martin, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, has voiced his concerns, saying, “The first thing to say is that there is still no time or date for a resolution. We are now five days into the crisis."
"While bottled water stations and mobile toilets remain operational, the uncertainty is deeply affecting residents, businesses, schools, and vulnerable people across the town.”
The Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Ed Davey raised the issue in Prime Minister's Questions, labelling the crisis a “public health emergency.”
The Prime Minister thanked him for raising the "important issue", adding it's "shocking" and that the Government is "bearing down on it."
Meanwhile, MP Mike Martin has been liaising with the Minister for Water, Emma Hardy, and the water regulator OFWAT to bring national attention to the crisis and explore the potential involvement of national resources.
Support measures in place
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has introduced several measures to support residents:
Temporary mobile toilets have been installed at Fiveways in the town centre
Bottled water stations have been established at multiple locations, remaining open daily until 10pm:
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, St John's Rd, TN4 9TX
Odeon Cinema Knights Way, TN2 3UW
RCP Parking, Upper Pantiles Car Park, Major Yorks Rd, TN2 5TP
The Amelia Scott, Civic Way (walk-in water station)
B&M Store and Garden Centre, Linden Park Rd, TN2 5QL (bags of water, not for drinking)
South East Water’s customer care team continues to deliver bottled water to priority customers registered with their Priority Services Register (PSR). Vulnerable residents are encouraged to sign up by visiting southeastwater.co.uk/psr or calling 0333 000 0365.
Residents and businesses are being updated regularly via the council’s website, South East Water's incident page, and social media.
The boil water notice and precautions remain in place until further updates confirm safe drinking water can be restored.
Local leaders have stressed that addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring accountability for South East Water is essential to prevent future infrastructure failures.
South East Water has apologised to affected customers.