For six confusing days, approx 24,000 households in Tunbridge Wells faced a complete loss of running water. After the outage finally ended, residents received conflicting and confusing advice: initially told the water was safe for showering only, not drinking, washing teeth, etc, this advice was quickly reversed due to contamination. Now, we are warned that the system may require at least two more weeks of chemical treatment before the water is safe! This entire episode represents a staggering failure of basic public infrastructure and an unacceptable public health risk.

The devastating consequences have rippled through the community: children have missed many days of school, and businesses have been forced to close, losing essential income. Meanwhile, families have had to queue for hours to collect water from distribution points. Those of us who do not have cars and get not can get to the distribution sites have relied on good will. 

This is not a small disruption. 

This has hit the community hard and is a major public health hazard. Above all, the explanations for these events have been shifting and evasive. The community still lacks clear, honest answers.  

We, the residents of Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas, demand that South East Water provide full transparency and take immediate action.  

We call for:  

1. A full explanation of how and why this crisis happened 

2. A publicly available timeline showing when South East Water identified the issues and how they responded.  

3. Clear, accurate communication about the safety of the current and future water supply.  

4. A detailed and plan for restoring clean, safe water to all homes and businesses.  

5. Long term prevention measures to ensure this can never happens again.  

6. Support and compensation for households and businesses affected by the disruption.  

Clean water is not optional. It is a basic human right. And our community has been seriously let down.  

South East Water must be transparent. South East Water must be accountable. Our community deserves better. Sign this petition to demand answers, action, and responsibility.