The festive season in Hastings is set to be a challenging one for many residents, as a burst mains pipe threatens to leave thousands without water. Southern Water has issued a warning, indicating that households may start experiencing water shortages from Christmas Eve evening, as the supply is rapidly dwindling. The company is taking emergency measures, dispatching bottled water to vulnerable households from Tuesday evening, and urging customers to refrain from excessive water usage and stockpiling.
The burst pipe, discovered in a woodland north of Hastings on Tuesday morning, has prompted an urgent repair effort to prevent a complete water outage over the festive period. However, this is not an isolated incident in the area. In May 2024, a burst pipe caused a four-day water outage, highlighting the ongoing issues with aging infrastructure. The company had previously identified multiple pipes in the Hastings area as 'aged assets prone to failure'.
Local MP Helena Dollimore expressed deep frustration over the situation, emphasizing the impact on residents and local businesses. She has called on Southern Water to expedite the opening of water stations, prioritize direct deliveries to those on the priority services list, and provide additional water to pubs, restaurants, and hotels. Dollimore's concerns extend to the company's financial practices, as she has previously criticized Southern Water for prioritizing shareholder dividends over infrastructure investment.
The recent spill of tiny plastic beads at Camber Sands and Hastings beaches, caused by a failure at one of Southern Water's treatment centers, has further fueled public scrutiny. The managing director, Tim McMahon, assured residents that measures are in place to mitigate the worst-case scenario, but urged customers to conserve water and avoid stockpiling.
As the situation unfolds, Hastings residents brace for potential water shortages, with the company's swift actions and communication becoming crucial in managing the crisis and ensuring the well-being of the community during this challenging time.
