Homes were without water this morning due to a burst main, with queues forming at bottle stations.
Some residents in Herne Bay saw supplies shut off yesterday (Friday) following the leak near Stanley Gardens, but they have now returned.
Cars queueing for bottled water at Herons Leisure Centre, William Street, Herne Bay. Picture: Mark Jeffreys
South East Water says that while it repaired the burst overnight, it has “impact on our stored water levels”.
Many taps were still dry, as the company introduces water to the system “slowly and in a controlled manner to avoid any further issues or bursts”.
It has now rectified the situation, however says that some customers may have brown, cloudy or white water coming out the taps.
They are advised to run the water from the cold kitchen tap until it is clear.
Earlier today, furious residents have called for action amid the latest shortages, following several other outages during the scorching summer.
It also affected businesses in the town, with Yiayia’s Greek Bakery forced to shut.
Mark Jefferys lost his water yesterday at about 6pm.
This morning, he visited the bottled water station in the car park outside Herons Leisure Centre, in William Street.
The Australian, who has lived in the UK for 35 years, told KentOnline: “I think it’s horrific to see people lined up at the leisure centre.
“It’s sort of like disbelief really.
Mark Jeffreys, from Herne Bay, has been without water since yesterday. Picture: Mark Jeffreys
“I just think it’s an absolute disgrace. I just can’t get my head around that people have allowed it to get to this stage.
“Councils are still building new estates on old pipes. It’s not rocket science. You don’t have to be an expert to work it out.
“The government really need to take (South East Water) over.”
Mr Jeffreys also feels there has been a lack of communication from the firm.
“Surely someone must be able to give a rough update as to what is happening. There should be a manager available 24/7,” he said.
“There would be blood on the beaches in Australia if a company did this.
“It’s crazy and is going to get worse…they [keep] building more houses.”
The bottled water station at Heron Leisure Centre will stay open today. Picture: Mark JeffreysIt is not the first time residents in Herne Bay have been left without water. Picture: Mark Jeffreys
The owner of Yiayia’s Greek Bakery, Bobbley Philips, said: “Well we’ve lost trading for today. Even if we do get water coming slowly, we’ve been told it will come in with a very low pressure so we can’t use it in our coffee machines.
“We’ve lost a whole day’s trading. I think it’s disgusting. It’s 2026 and this keeps happening. Water shortages, pipes breaking – how do small businesses manage to cope?
“I’m definitely going to investigate where I can seek compensation.”
In an update at 1.35pm today, South East Water said it had completed the repairs, and that customers “should now see taps flowing as normal”.
South East Water’s incident manager, Rob Hall said earlier this morning: “We’re sorry to customers in Herne Bay affected by low water supplies following a burst main, which is now repaired.
“We are slowly refilling the network to protect storage tank levels and prevent further bursts, so water will continue returning throughout the morning.
“Bottled water is being delivered to Priority Services customers, and our bottled water stations are open until 10pm.
“We apologise for the frustration and are working tirelessly to restore normal service as quickly as possible.”
Bottled water stations will remain open until 10pm as a precaution at the following locations: Sturry Road Park and Ride, Canterbury, CT1 1AD, Herne Bay leisure centre, William Street, Herne Bay, CT3 4LN and at Sainsburys, 6 The Blvd, Herne Bay, CT6 6GZ.