Southern Water - what we know so far: How long will residents in parts of West Sussex be without water? What areas are affected? Where can I get water?

Water is returning for West Sussex residents this [Tuesday, May 16] afternoon after Southern Water customers experienced a loss of supply at the weekend.
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Hundreds of Southern Water customers across Horsham and Chichester Districts were left with ‘no water’ following a ‘failure’ at one of the company’s supply works on Sunday, May 14.

Southern Water said the issue was caused by a failure at Hardham Water Supply Works.

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Commenting on the water outage across much of Horsham and Chichester Districts, Andrew Griffith MP said: “Water is one of the few absolute essentials of life. Everyone understands that things can occasionally go wrong. But it is at times like these when the mark of a good organisation is excellent communications and a rapid response to fix things or to help those most impacted.

“We need our local Councils and Southern Water to step up and help households who have already been without even a basic water supply for 12 hours.”

Meanwhile, Horsham MP Jeremy Quin said he is demanding to know the cause of the crisis. He said: “We need answers as to what happened and why and how it will be prevented in the future.”

You can read Mr Quin’s full statement here.

How long will residents in parts of West Sussex be without water?

Hundreds of Southern Water customers across Horsham and Chichester Districts have been left with ‘no water’ following a ‘failure’ at one of the company’s supply works. Picture by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty ImagesHundreds of Southern Water customers across Horsham and Chichester Districts have been left with ‘no water’ following a ‘failure’ at one of the company’s supply works. Picture by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Hundreds of Southern Water customers across Horsham and Chichester Districts have been left with ‘no water’ following a ‘failure’ at one of the company’s supply works. Picture by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
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Southern Water first reported the issue on the company’s website at 1.37am on Sunday morning.

But, in a statement posted at 1.44pm this afternoon, the company confirmed customers ‘should have their water back’ – although some water pressure issues still remain.

The statement said: “Everyone in #WestSussex should have their water back, but some water pressure issues remain.

“#Horsham water site will close at 2pm, but #Billingshurst will stay open.

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“If you’re still out of water, please call us: 0330 303 0368.

“Full update's here: http://ow.ly/w9Rh50OoZvR

What areas are affected?

Southern Water confirmed customers in Horsham, Billinghurst, Broadbridge Heath, Pulborough, Codmore Hill, West Chiltington, Wisborough Gree, Rudgwick, Loxwood, Barns Green, Slinfold experienced low water pressure, or had no water at all on Sunday.

The issue persisted in both the Turners Hill and RH13 areas.

Schools across the Horsham and Crawley Districts were closed yesterday [Monday, May 15] due to water shortages.

The schools have since reopened.

Where can I get water?

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A bottled water station remains open at Billingshurst Football Club.

The bottled water station at Horsham Park and Ride which had previously been open closed at 2pm this afternoon.

Southern Water will also be delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers who are unable to visit the bottled water station.

Bottled water stations are located at:

– Billingshurst Football Club, A29, Billingshurst, RH14 9HZ