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20,000 Homes Poisoned: Britain's Worst Water Scandal
25 Nov
Summary
- 20 tonnes of aluminium sulphate contaminated the water supply.
- Residents suffered severe health issues after drinking toxic water.
- The water company delayed informing the public for 16 days.
A catastrophic error at a North Cornwall water treatment plant in July 1988 led to Britain's worst mass poisoning. A delivery driver mistakenly poured 20 tonnes of aluminium sulphate into the wrong tank at Lowermoor, contaminating the water supply for approximately 20,000 homes.
Residents quickly reported disturbing symptoms, including vomiting, skin rashes, and mouth ulcers, yet South West Water Authority (SWWA) initially dismissed their urgent calls. The company also delayed informing the public about the toxic cocktail flowing from their taps for 16 days, sparking accusations of a deliberate cover-up.
Decades later, the full impact of the Camelford scandal is still being uncovered. The case of Carole Cross, who died from a rare dementia with high aluminium levels found in her brain, underscores the long-term health consequences and the persistent fight for accountability by affected families.
