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Water company admits guilt in Brixham parasite outbreak
4 Mar
Summary
- South West Water pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption.
- An outbreak caused over 140 confirmed cases and four hospitalizations.
- 16,000 households were advised to boil water for 54 days.
South West Water (SWW) has admitted supplying water unfit for human consumption after a significant cryptosporidium outbreak occurred in and around Brixham in May 2024. The company pleaded guilty to the offence at Exeter Magistrates' Court. This prosecution by the Drinking Water Inspectorate followed an incident that resulted in over 140 confirmed cases of infection and hospitalizations for four individuals.
Initially, around 16,000 households were advised to boil tap water before drinking it. The 'boil water' notice remained in effect for some properties for 54 days, finally being lifted on July 8. SWW has offered compensation to affected customers. The outbreak significantly impacted the local tourism economy and contributed to a nearly £40 million cost for the owning Pennon Group.
The company previously suggested a damaged air valve on private land was the likely cause. SWW faces sentencing at a later hearing.
