Residents' frustrations over water supply issues

A water company is being urged to provide urgent answers to residents in part of East Sussex following more than five weeks of water supply disruptions.

Tankers have been feeding water into the mains network in the village of Rodmell to maintain supplies, but some affected South East Water customers have said they have received limited information about the fault, the repairs or the timescale for a permanent resolution.

Oliver Rathbone, chair of Rodmell Parish Council, said he and fellow residents had been "left in the dark" while dealing with the water disruption.

South East Water has apologised, blaming the problems on the heatwave in May.

Concerns over the supply issues, as well as communication failures and infrastructure problems, have been jointly raised by Rathbone, Lewes District Council representative for the Kingston ward Stella Spiteri and Lewes MP James MacCleary.

Many households have cited severe reductions in water pressure, with some properties receiving little or no water during parts of the day.

Spiteri said residents understood that unexpected failures could occur, but that access to a reliable water supply was an "essential service".

"What is unacceptable is the prolonged lack of communication and transparency from South East Water throughout this incident," she said.

"Families have been left dealing with low water pressure, interrupted supplies and considerable uncertainty for weeks, with little explanation about what is happening or when the situation will be resolved."

She said residents deserved transparency, accountability and regular updates.

"South East Water must now provide a full explanation of what has gone wrong, what is being done to put it right, and how affected households will be compensated for the considerable inconvenience they have experienced," she added.

Rathbone said: "The principal concern repeatedly raised by residents has been the absence of clear, timely information.

"People can be understanding when problems arise, but they expect honest communication and regular updates."

The parish council and Spiteri are also seeking clarification regarding the pumping station in Mill Lane and whether its operation or capacity has played any role in the current situation.

South East Water's regional network manager, Charles Healey, said: "We apologise unreservedly to all customers impacted by the recent disruption to their water supply.

"A small number of properties in the Rodmell area had drinking water supply interruptions as a result of the exceptionally high demand during the heatwave at the end of May.

"Less than ten properties on higher ground were without water, whilst others in the area may have experienced low pressure and intermittent supplies.

Healy said SEW had "identified a technical issue on our local drinking water storage tank", which was being repaired.

"Whilst these repairs take place, we are using our tankers to ensure that everyone remains in supply," he added.

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