Arabic version: شركة جنوب شرق المياه تواجه غرامة قدرها 22 مليون جنيه إسترليني بسبب فشل الخدمة

South East Water is facing a £22m fine by the industry regulator, Ofwat, due to “multiple supply disruptions” that have caused residents in Kent and Sussex “immense stress and anxiety”. According to BBC News, the regulator noted that the company’s failures left it unable to cope during periods of high demand and extreme weather, resulting in customers being without tap water, unable to shower, bathe, or flush toilets.

The proposed fine applies to problems during 2020 and 2023 and does not cover more recent incidents. Last December, up to 16,000 homes went without water for almost a week, while in January about 30,000 properties faced issues. Over the three-year period, more than 286,000 people were affected by supply problems.

Ofwat’s investigation revealed that South East Water failed to plan sufficiently, learn from incidents – such as the so-called Beast from the East wave of cold weather in early 2018 – and conduct analysis to discover the root causes of the problems. Furthermore, Ofwat highlighted the company’s failure to maintain key infrastructure such as service reservoirs, boreholes, and major pipes.

“All of these issues left the system more likely to fail during prolonged dry periods or freeze-thaw events as we have seen in Kent and Sussex on multiple occasions,” said Ofwat. South East Water has been contacted for comment regarding the proposed fine and the ongoing issues.