Convened by Kent County Council, the meeting follows a challenging period for water resilience in Kent, with recent supply interruptions affecting communities across the county and growing concern about the long-term pressures facing water resources.
With demand for water increasing and challenges such as our ever-changing climate, recent uncontrolled population growth and ageing infrastructure continuing to put pressure on supplies, the meeting brought together organisations with a role in planning, managing, regulating and protecting Kent's water future.
Throughout the day, delegates explored the risks facing the county and discussed how organisations can work together to strengthen resilience, improve preparedness and support a reliable water supply for residents, businesses, public services and the environment.
Workshop discussions identified several areas for future collaboration, including:
- Investment in water infrastructure and storage
- Better sharing of data and intelligence to understand risks and vulnerabilities
- A more coordinated approach between organisations working on water-related issues
- Clearer communication and engagement with residents and businesses
- Developing a shared long-term vision for water resilience in Kent.
Delegates heard about action already being taken to improve resilience across the county. South East Water outlined changes introduced following recent supply interruptions, including increased leak detection and repair teams, strengthened incident management arrangements and a target to repair visible leaks within five days of being reported.
Southern Water highlighted significant planned investment in Kent's water infrastructure, including upgrades to treatment works, water quality improvements, resilience measures and ongoing maintenance programmes designed to support the network over the coming years.
Ahead of the meeting, Kent County Council invited residents to share their views through a social media poll. More than 2,500 votes were cast on Facebook alone, with reducing leaks and investing in repairs emerging as the strongest priorities. The results were shared with delegates by Councillor Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, and helped inform discussions throughout the day.
“This meeting is the start of an ongoing conversation. By working together, we can build a stronger understanding of the challenges ahead and identify practical actions...”
Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, said: "Water is something we all depend on every day. We rely on it for drinking, cooking, washing and cleaning, and it underpins the services we all rely on. It's easy to take for granted until it's not there.
‘We have had a very challenging year with our water supply in Kent. We know there isn't a simple solution, and no single organisation can solve these challenges alone, that's why bringing together the right people around the table is so important.
‘Residents made it clear through our poll that they want to see action on leaks, investment in infrastructure and long-term planning for the future. Those views helped shape today's discussions.
‘This meeting is the start of an ongoing conversation. By working together, we can build a stronger understanding of the challenges ahead and identify practical actions that will help strengthen Kent's resilience in the years to come."
“Water resilience isn't just about infrastructure. It's also a public health issue.”
Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal Regeneration, said: "Water resilience isn't just about infrastructure. It's also a public health issue.
‘A reliable water supply is essential for hospitals, care homes, schools and community services. It supports sanitation, hygiene and hydration, and when supplies are disrupted, some of our most vulnerable residents can be among those most affected.
‘That's why today's discussions were so important. By bringing together organisations from across Kent, we can better understand the risks we face, support communities to become more resilient and help ensure water remains available for the people and services that depend on it every day."
Partners will now consider the next steps for the Kent Water Resilience Partnership, including how organisations can continue working together to strengthen water resilience across the county.
