Have you ever wanted to know where your drinking water really comes from? Come to one of our free open days and find out!
You’ll be able to see behind the scenes at your local water treatment works, and some of our water experts will be there to answer your questions.
You can see how we store, treat, and supply your drinking water. We’ll also share some tips on how you can use water wisely and save money on your bills.
Upcoming open days
Arlington Water Treatment Works Open Day - Saturday 13 September 2025
Ever wanted to know where your drinking water really comes from?
Come along to one of our free open days and find out more about your local drinking water supplier South East Water. Visit our Arlington Water Treatment Works, in Sussex on Saturday 13 September 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to see first-hand how this site delivers top-quality drinking water to more than 100,000 customers in Sussex and parts of Kent.
What to Expect
Join our team of water experts on one of our tours to see behind-the-scenes of your local water treatment works and how your drinking water is stored, treated and supplied to your home. Following an overview of our operations and wider work, you'll receive a guided tour of the water treatment works. You'll see the entire process from how we take raw water from the River Cuckmere and turn it into top-quality drinking water which gets pumped directly to customers' taps.
During this special visit, you'll gain valuable insights into our water resources at Arlington, our future plans, and the significant environmental work we undertake across our supply area. You can also pick up tips on how to use water wisely and reduce your bills.
There will be plenty of time throughout the visit for you to ask questions and engage with our experts.
Event timings
Each tour will last for two hours and 30 minutes and we can accommodate a maximum of 25 people per tour. Tour slots are available at the following times:
Date: Saturday 13 September
| Tour Number | Timings |
|---|---|
| Tour 1 | 9:30am – 12pm |
| Tour 2 | 1:30pm - 4pm |
Location and parking
Address: The Fishing Lodge, Arlington Reservoir, Arlington, Polegate, BN26 6TF
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Parking: Please park in Arlington Reservoir’s public car park and follow signs to The Fishing Lodge
Parking fees: Please provide us with your vehicle’s number plate when signing up to receive free parking
Please note:
- Due to it being an operational site, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate children under the age of 14 or anyone with specific access requirements as the tour will involve stairs.
- Flat, closed-toe shoes with backs must be worn.
- For security, please bring photographic ID with you (for example, passport, driving licence, bus pass). This will be required for entry.
- Photographs are not permitted.
- Public transport options to our Arlington Water Treatment Works site are limited, however free car parking is available directly on site.
- The tour will involve a coach ride.
How to book your place
The tours are free and customers can register to join the event by clicking the tour number and time below:
Date: Saturday 13 September
Tour 1: 9:30am – 12pm(opens in a new tab)
Tour 2: 1:30pm - 4pm(opens in a new tab)
Entry is strictly by ticket only and places are subject to confirmation. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Conditions apply and ID will be required.
For more information as to how we protect and use your personal data please see our Privacy Policy.
If you can’t join this event but wish to register your interest for future open days, please complete the form below.
Future open days
Previous open days
We had a successful open day at Bray Keleher Water Treatment Works, near Maidenhead, on Saturday 26 April 2025.
Visitors had three tours to choose from throughout the day. They were able to step inside the control room at the water treatment works, learn how we use technology to find and fix leaks, and see how we filter, treat, and pump drinking water to your homes and businesses.