Desperate Kent residents plead for help as water shortages grip villages

LocalEnvironment
18 Aug 2026 • 10:23 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Desperate Kent residents plead for help as water shortages grip villages

  • South East Water has warned Kent residents that drinking water storage levels remain critically low following repeated supply outages across the region.
  • Around 60 to 70 villagers in Benenden staged a protest on the local green, using plastic bottles to spell out 'Help us' after facing severe supply disruptions.
  • While service has been restored to 7,400 properties in Herne Bay, Rough Common, and Blean, approximately 400 homes in Benenden, Cranbrook and Rolvenden remain affected.
  • Defra officials and local MP Katie Lam heavily criticised the utility company, demanding urgent improvements to prevent further unacceptable disruptions.
  • The latest outage follows a £30.5 million penalty package imposed on South East Water by regulator Ofwat for previous widespread supply failures.

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