Residents left without water in Hurstpierpoint due to burst main

Scores of residents have been left with little or no water. Picture by Eddie Howland SUS-180922-105603001

The incident happened in Cuckfield Road, between the junctions of Western Road and Willow Way.

Police were called to the scene and closed the road.

Residents were also asked to remain indoors.

Water board engineers have been called out and are currently trying to repair the damage.

South East Water has been handing out bottled water to residents in Hurstpierpoint and surrounding areas who have lost their supply after two bursts to the water main.

The road is expected to be closed for some time today (Saturday, September 22).

Steve Andrews, incident manager at South East Water, said: “Free bottled water is now available in Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common for customers affected by water supply problems, as water starts to return to most customers in the area.

Police closed off the road. Picture by Eddle Howland SUS-180922-105613001

“Those customers that are still without water can collect bottled water from South Downs Nurseries in Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint and King Business Centre in Reeds Lane, Sayers Common. We are also contacting customers on our Priority Services Register who may need extra help.

“Repair crews have been working non-stop since last night to complete two complex repairs on a 10-inch water main in the village and many customers’ supplies will now be returning to normal as we reroute the flow of water around our network.

“At the height of this emergency, up to 2,800 properties may have had no water or low pressure but this has now reduced to approximately 600.

“While we make alterations to our network, customers may notice cloudy or discoloured water. This isn’t harmful and can be cleared by running the cold kitchen tap slowly until the water clears.

The road has been left completely waterlogged. Picture by Eddie Howland SUS-180922-105552001

“Areas affected by no water or low pressure include: Albourne, Goddards Green, Hickstead, Hurstpierpoint, Sayers Common and Twineham.

“Customers can register for updates using our interactive map inyourarea.co.uk/southeastwater or call our 24/7 emergency line on 0333 000 0365 if they need urgent help.

“We are very sorry to those customers who currently have no water or low pressure and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we deal with this emergency.”