A water treatment centre that failed and led to tens of thousands of people in Tunbridge Wells being cut off from the supply had previously been served a warning by the regulator over bacteria and pesticide contamination risks.

The Kent town is under a boil water notice after residents’ water supplies were cut on Saturday. South East Water has told residents the water from their taps is unsuitable for drinking, giving to pets, brushing teeth, washing children , or bathing in with an open wound.

The notice is in place for at least 10 days because of what the company describes as “water quality issues”.

Schools, restaurants, pubs and hotels across the town have been forced to shut all week because of a lack of clean running water. GP surgeries have also struggled to obtain water suppl

See Full Page