A burst main in East Sussex has left more than 32,000 residents without water supply, and a hotel has resorted to flushing its toilets with sea water. Southern Water has apologised for the inconvenience and stated that the repair of the burst main has been completed, but the water supply needs to be “restarted”. Four water bottle stations have been set up to provide bottled water to affected residents. The burst was located in Keeper’s Wood, near the A21, making it challenging for crews to access and repair.
The impact of the burst main on the community has been significant, with businesses, schools, leisure centers, and a theatre forced to close. The annual Jack In The Green Festival in Hastings, described as one of the biggest weekends of the year, has also been affected. One hotel in Hastings has had to resort to flushing toilets with sea water due to the lack of fresh water supply. Southern Water has been working around the clock to address the issue and support vulnerable customers, including those with medical needs.
The White Rock Theatre in Hastings had to close its doors on Friday, cancelling events such as the Millie’s Nightclub event. Summerfields Leisure Centre also remained closed on Sunday morning due to the water supply issue. Schools like Churchwood Primary Academy and St Paul’s Church of England Academy were forced to close on Friday. Southern Water has utilized bottled water stations and tankers to supply water to healthcare venues, care homes, and other important sites. Despite their efforts, disruptions are expected to continue over the weekend.
Customers affected by the burst main have been urged to contact Southern Water if they are vulnerable or require water for medical reasons. The company has opened four water bottle stations and is working with local communities to ensure access to water. The repair process has been complicated due to the location of the burst main and the need to recharge the network. Southern Water has expressed appreciation for the hard work of its teams, volunteers, and businesses in supporting the delivery of water to customers. The company is committed to providing ongoing support to customers during this challenging time.
