Some Eastbourne residents left without water due to burst pipe

At 6.22am on Wednesday, August 9, South East Water said it was working to repair a burst water main by Larkspur Drive in the Langney area of the town.

The AA said the road was also closed in both directions between Briar Place and Bembridge Road due to the burst water main.

A South East Water spokesperson added: "We're really sorry to those of you who are experiencing low water pressure or no water at the moment. This has been caused by a burst water main which we are trying to fix as quickly as we can.

"We have managed to redirect some water so most customers will have their supplies return, however a small number nearer the burst will still be without supply.”

The repair was more complicated than normal as South East Water had to remove a lamp post to get access to the main, according to the company.

The spokesperson said: “We are working with the local Highways department to assist with this. As soon as the repairs have been completed your water will return to normal.”

South East Water’s distribution manager Ben Hewes said as soon as the burst happened a technician was sent to investigate

He added: “We have redirected water around our network of pipes in the area restoring water supplies and pressure to as many people as possible, however 33 properties are without water while repairs take place.

“It is expected that repairs will be completed during the afternoon and tap water supplies [will be] restored.”

At around 4pm the same day South East Water confirmed that the repair had been completed and that taps should be flowing as normal.

A spokesperson said: “If your water looks brown in colour please don't worry as it is not harmful. This happens when small particles of iron within the mains are disturbed.

"Your water may also appear cloudy or white. If you fill a glass of water and it clears from the bottom upwards then this means your water is just a little more aerated than usual. Simply run the water from your cold kitchen tap until the water is clear. Once again, we're really sorry about the disruption.”