- Water supply problem hit Gatwick Airport on Sunday due to a power outage at a local treatment works, affecting both terminals.
- The outage resulted in flushing toilets not working and the closure of restaurants and bars, as reported by passengers on social media.
- Bottled water is being made available to passengers and staff across the airport as part of contingency measures to ensure their welfare.
- Water utility SES Water confirmed that complications from the power outage at Bough Beech Water Treatment Works caused low water pressure and temporary loss of supply.
- Passengers expressed concerns, with one stating, “For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good,” highlighting the impact of the situation.
Gatwick Airport experienced a major water supply disruption on Sunday due to a power outage at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works, affecting both terminals. Passengers reported toilets out of order and the closure of restaurants and bars.
Authorities stated, “Bottled water is being made available to passengers and staff across the airport and other contingency measures are being put in place to ensure the welfare of our passengers,” as they worked to restore normal service.3
Despite these efforts, some passengers expressed frustration. Paul Lee, a traveler at the airport, noted, “I had not heard a word about the shut-off or seen water bottles being distributed.” He added, “For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good.”
Former MP Michael Dugher highlighted the seating shortage, stating that with bars and restaurants closed, passengers were left sitting on the floor. He urged the airport to open additional spaces for seating.
The airport, the second busiest in the UK, apologized for the inconvenience and confirmed that SES Water was working to restore service after the outage caused a drop in pressure and temporary water loss for customers in Kent and Sussex counties.4
As the situation unfolded, passengers took to social media to share their experiences, emphasizing the impact of the outage on their travel plans.
“SES Water said a power outage at its Bough Beech treatment works caused the disruption and that it was working to restore service. Some passengers, including Paul Lee, said they had seen no bottled water, while Michael Dugher reported a seating shortage left passengers sitting on the floor.”
AP News
