Devon water unfit: South West Water fined £1.93m

South West Water was fined nearly £2 million by Exeter Magistrates' Court for supplying water unfit for human consumption. This followed a parasitic outbreak in Devon, where the Brixham water supply was contaminated by cryptosporidium, causing severe sickness and diarrhoea. Hundreds, including children, reported becoming unwell, with 143 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak. Over 16,000 homes received boil notices, which remained in place for some properties for up to 54 days.

The contamination is believed to have originated from two sites on a Devon farm. South West Water pleaded guilty and offered a sincere apology for the incident. The total fine, including surcharge and costs, amounted to £1.93 million. The company's owner, Pennon, reported total costs for the outbreak reached nearly £40 million, encompassing supply contamination and transformation programs.