Thousands of properties still without water - as ministers hold emergency meetings

A man collects bottled water from a water station in East Grinstead, after bad weather was blamed for more water outages in Kent and parts of Sussex. Picture date: Monday January 12, 2026. PA Photo. Earlier this week, South East Water (SEW) said a "series of burst water mains" due to the cold were responsible for 6,500 customers in Tunbridge Wells being left without water again. The company said Storm Goretti has slowed the recovery of water storage tanks since the pipes burst, which will mean demand outstrips supply. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire