MORE than 22,000 homes yesterday remained without water for a third day after a “quality issue” at a treatment site.
Bosses apologised to customers who have experienced a loss of supply or low pressure since Saturday night.
South East Water indicated that water supplies will “gradually return” to residents in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, throughout the day yesterday.
The incident was said to have been caused by “a bad batch of chemicals” at the Pembury Water Treatment Works.
Three bottled water stations were opened across Tunbridge Wells.
Those stations are at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, Odeon Cinema Knights Way and RCP Parking.
South East Water incident manager Matthew Dean said yesterday: “I’m very sorry to all our customers in Tunbridge Wells who remain without water or have low pressure this morning.
“Water supplies will gradually return to customers’ taps throughout the day as we slowly refill the town’s pipeline network and clear air locks.
“As water supplies return, customers may experience discolouration.
“This is normal and happens when naturally-occurring deposits, which settle and build up within our network of water mains over time, are disturbed.”
The company also said it has tankered more than three million litres of water into the town to keep supplies running for some customers.
It is understood that the problem was caused by a “bad” batch of chemicals, and a new batch was received on Sunday.
