Gatwick water outage leads MP to demand answers from SES Water

A power failure at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works on July 26 caused a major water outage that left Gatwick Airport and much of Horley without running water. The disruption reduced water pressure and, for some, caused a temporary loss of supply.

Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan wrote to water company SES Water after reports that vulnerable residents on the Priority Services Register were not contacted about bottled‑water deliveries. He asked how the company identified and reached those in need and whether its contingency plans worked effectively. SES Water said it is reviewing its response and aims to provide the best possible service when third‑party power outages affect its network. Residents such as Alan Boughen described the hardship and noted that neighbours rallied to deliver bottled water to those affected.