Is tap water available in Kent today?

Yes. Southern Water says taps are currently flowing across Kent. Pressure could vary in higher areas while reservoirs recover. Check the company’s service updates for your postcode. To support recovery, consider spacing showers and laundry, and keep a few bottles at home for peace of mind.

Why is turbidity a problem after storms?

Heavy rain stirs up sediments in rivers and reservoirs, which increases turbidity. Treatment works must slow processes to maintain water quality standards. This reduces output temporarily. As raw water clears, plants can increase throughput, which in turn rebuilds storage and stabilises pressure across the network.

Will customers receive compensation for this incident?

Compensation schemes usually apply to prolonged supply interruptions or low pressure beyond set thresholds. At present, there is no general loss of supply in Kent. If you experienced a sustained interruption, record times and contact Southern Water for guidance on Guaranteed Standards Scheme eligibility and claims.

What should investors monitor next week?

Watch Southern Water updates on treatment capacity, reservoir headroom, and any change in bottled water deliveries. Track weather and grid stability, as both affect operational risk. Compare communication quality and recovery speed with UK peers to gauge resilience and potential regulatory or reputational impacts.

Global Market Insights

January 12: Southern Water says Kent taps flowing; outage risk remains

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Southern Water says taps across Kent are flowing on 12 January after a recent power outage linked to Storm Goretti. The company warns risk remains elevated as reservoirs recover and turbidity slows treatment at Medway and Boxley works. Precautionary bottled water deliveries are reaching Priority Services Register customers. For UK investors, the Kent water supply update spotlights resilience, weather exposure, and potential regulatory scrutiny if conditions worsen. Grid stability and rainfall in the next 48 to 72 hours will guide pressure on assets. Service is stable, but short dips may occur in higher areas while recovery continues.