Residents left without water after reservoir works

A water company has apologised after up to 700 customers were left without supply due to routine maintenance to a reservoir.

People in some parts of West Sussex said they had been left without water or with an intermittent supply since Friday.

Matthew Dean, head of operations in Sussex for South East Water, apologised and said the focus was on returning continuous mains water supply to those affected in Balcombe and Hassocks.

He said during the weekend about 700 customers had low pressure or an intermittent tap water supply but that "almost all" were back in full supply.

Rebecca Tyson, who runs Eclipse Salon in Balcombe, said she had not been able to open due to the water issues and had to cancel appointments.

At home she said there had been running water on and off.

"It's been very low pressure or several times it's actually stopped, so it's not been great at all," she added.

For the salon, she said most clients had been understanding but she recognised some would need to take their business elsewhere.

She said it was "financially really frustrating" for her not to be able to open - and not to know when the situation would be resolved.

"One minute we've got water pressure, the next minute you've got nothing or it's trickling and it's not good enough to be able to work with," Mrs Tyson said.

"I can't have clients with bleach on their hair, or any colour, and not be able to wash it off safely for them."

Karen Cross, 47, from Balcombe, said she first noticed issues with her supply on Friday.

She told BBC South East she had been collecting bottled water from the village's social club, having not had "proper, consistent running water" since Friday.

With a husband, daughter and two dogs at home, she said they were "lucky" to have transport to be able to collect water.

Running an ironing business from her home, Ms Cross said she was worried not just for residents but also for small businesses in the area.

She also raised concerns about the updates coming from the water company.

"Communication is key, this is where South East Water have let themselves down," she said.

"We just want to be told what is going on."

Residents on social media ranged from reporting they had "just a trickle" to being "completely out" of water.

Mr Dean said the company was also aware of issues for properties near Paddockhurst Lane and was doing everything it could to provide these customers with water as soon as possible.

There had been issues since a service reservoir was taken out of supply for routine maintenance on Friday, he said.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to all our customers, which includes businesses which need tap water to carry out their functions, as well as for drinking and hygiene purposes," Mr Dean added.

"Our focus is getting all customers back with a continuous mains water supply.

"Customers entitled to a compensation payment under our guaranteed standards scheme will automatically receive a credit on their water supply account.

"For business customers the credit will be made by their retailer."

He said tankers had been sent to the area to inject water into mains pipes since Friday evening and would continue to do so until supply returned to normal.

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