The MP representing Sussex Weald has stated that residents in her area have been abandoned following recent water supply interruptions.
Nursrat Ghani, the Conservative representative for Sussex Weald, recently challenged South East Water after receiving reports of service problems throughout the constituency.
At that time she labelled the disruption as indefensible.
In fresh remarks provided to the Argus, Ms Ghani commented: yet again we face water difficulties, and I keep getting messages from angry local people who believe South East Water has abandoned them.
We had assumed the recent hosepipe restriction would end supply disruptions, but the situation seems considerably more severe than anticipated, as notices were recently sent out by South East Water introducing water restrictions in Crowborough and Heathfield.
Ms Ghani continued that she was concerned the Priority Service Register, which helps utility firms identify households requiring additional assistance, might not be current.
In her remarks she noted that residents in assisted living facilities and roads in Heathfield were without water.
She added: I have also been informed that some households on the register are finding multipacks of water left in places they cannot reach.
Robert Anthony-Scorse, South East Water’s Incident Manager, stated: we are urging customers throughout our supply regions to exercise considerable caution with their water consumption.
A hosepipe ban is active, but due to the extended spell of warm, dry conditions water demand is exceptionally elevated.
Mr Anthony-Scorse continued that on Tuesday, July 28, they delivered 625 million litres of water and that typical July demand stands at 588 million litres.
He stated: this indicates some of our drinking water storage facilities have fallen to critically reduced levels. Currently, we have no customers in the Sussex region without water because of high demand, though some may experience reduced water pressure, particularly during busy periods in the morning and evening.
On one evening the previous week in Crowborough, the boosted supply was halted, impacting higher elevations when demand was lower. This permitted the tanks to refill for the morning surge and ensure continued water supply.
Regarding the Priority Service Register, Mr Antony-Scorse stated: customers on our Priority Services Register should get bottled water deliveries as required and we apologise if this has not occurred.
We will look into any situations we are informed about. Furthermore, we will examine where supplies are positioned for customers and implement any necessary changes.
Mr Anthony-Scorse stated that South East Water are taking all possible steps to maintain supplies for customers during this demanding time.