Are Water Supply Issues Closing Schools Again?

Several schools in Sussex and Kent have had to close again due to ongoing water supply problems caused by Storm Goretti and a power outage affecting South East Water's (SEW) pumping station. As of Tuesday, around 25,000 customers were still without water or experiencing intermittent supplies, prompting schools like Ulcombe Church of England Primary and several others in East Grinstead to adapt by offering online learning and urging parents for updates.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Schools in parts of Sussex and Kent are grappling with significant water supply disruptions that have led to closures and necessitated online learning. South East Water has reported that about 25,000 customers are still affected by the supply issues, which began over the weekend. These disruptions are attributed to the adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Goretti and a power outage at a pumping station, exacerbated by the recent cold weather, which has resulted in leaks and bursts in the water network.

Key takeaways

Ongoing water supply issues have led to school closures in Sussex and Kent.
South East Water is currently addressing the problem, impacting approximately 25,000 customers.
Some schools are providing online learning as a temporary solution.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation has developed over a series of days, starting from 14 October 2023, when Storm Goretti impacted the region, leading to power outages and subsequent water supply disruptions. Key milestones include:

14 October 2023: Storm Goretti hits, causing power outages.
15 October 2023: Initial reports of water supply problems emerge.
17 October 2023: SEW reports that around 25,000 customers are still affected.
17 October 2023: Closure of several schools in Sussex and Kent is announced.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of 17 October 2023, South East Water has acknowledged the ongoing issue, with 12 interruptions still evident across its network. They have also confirmed the availability of bottled water stations in East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, and Maidstone to assist affected residents.

What was already established

Prior to this week, concerns around water supply instability had been reported, particularly following the recent cold weather, which had led to an increase in leaks and burst pipes. The situation has worsened to the point where several schools have been forced to close, and a "major incident" has been declared by Kent County Council.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing water supply issues have significant implications for households in Sussex and Kent. Residents are facing disruptions to their daily lives, with many unable to access basic water services. SEW has provided bottled water stations to alleviate some immediate concerns, but the long-term resolution remains uncertain.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses may also be impacted as water supply problems could affect their operations. Schools closed due to the water crisis could lead to a decrease in business for local cafes and shops that typically serve students and parents. Furthermore, the healthcare sector, including the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, is adapting by offering virtual appointments, indicating that the ripple effects of this crisis extend beyond education.

Policy and regulation

The situation has drawn the attention of water regulator Ofwat, which has expressed concern over the supply problems. Calls for action against South East Water have been made, including demands for the resignation of its CEO, David Hinton, who has faced scrutiny over his remuneration amidst this crisis. The outcomes of these regulatory reviews could lead to increased oversight and changes in how water supply issues are managed in the future.

Numbers that matter

25,000: The number of customers in Kent and Sussex currently affected by water supply issues.
12: Ongoing interruptions reported by South East Water as of 17 October 2023.
£400,000: The base salary of SEW's CEO, raising questions about accountability amidst the crisis.
£115,000: The bonus paid to SEW's CEO in 2025, which has spurred calls for leadership changes.

Definitions and jargon buster

SEW: South East Water, the company responsible for water supply in the region.
Ofwat: The Water Services Regulation Authority, the regulator for the water sector in England and Wales.
Storm Goretti: A recent weather event causing adverse conditions in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, residents should continue to monitor updates from South East Water regarding the restoration of services. Schools will likely provide ongoing communication regarding online learning and any changes to their schedules.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, it will be crucial for SEW to address the underlying infrastructure issues that have contributed to the current crisis. This may involve investments in repairs and improvements to prevent future disruptions.

Signals to watch

Updates from South East Water regarding service restoration dates.
Reports from Ofwat on regulatory actions or findings related to SEW.
Community feedback on the adequacy of bottled water supplies and other emergency measures.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed through official updates from South East Water and local authorities.
Utilise bottled water stations if available to meet immediate needs.
Engage with schools regarding online learning options for children.

Don’t

Don’t ignore communications from schools or SEW regarding service updates.
Don’t rely solely on social media for information; check official sources for accuracy.
Don’t dismiss the impact of water supply issues on local businesses and services.

Checklist

Check for school updates regarding closures and online learning options.
Locate nearby bottled water stations if you are affected.
Monitor South East Water’s website for service restoration announcements.
Engage with local community resources for support during this period.
Keep in touch with neighbours to share information and resources.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation develops, uncertainties remain regarding how quickly South East Water can restore full service to affected customers. The potential for ongoing supply issues is high if underlying infrastructure problems are not resolved. Moreover, the response from Ofwat and local authorities will shape future regulatory frameworks and accountability measures for water companies.

Bottom line

The current water supply crisis in Sussex and Kent highlights significant challenges for affected schools, households, and businesses. As South East Water works to resolve these issues, continued communication and proactive measures will be essential for those impacted. Monitoring the situation and engaging with local resources will be critical for navigating this disruption effectively.

FAQs

What caused the school closures in Sussex and Kent?

The school closures were primarily caused by ongoing water supply issues stemming from Storm Goretti and a power outage at a pumping station, affecting South East Water's ability to provide consistent service.

How many customers are currently affected by the water supply issues?

As of 17 October 2023, approximately 25,000 customers of South East Water are experiencing either no water supply or intermittent issues.

What measures is South East Water taking to address the situation?

South East Water has established bottled water stations for affected residents and is actively working to restore full service across its network while addressing the underlying infrastructure problems.