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Cornwall's Toxic Tap Water: A 36-Year Fight for Justice
27 Nov
Summary
- North Cornwall residents faced toxic water in 1988, turning black and gelatinous.
- Authorities took over two weeks to admit the problem, advising residents to drink it.
- Victims continue to seek justice decades later, with calls for inquiries ignored.
In 1988, north Cornwall residents were subjected to Britain's biggest mass poisoning event when toxic aluminium sulphate contaminated their water supply. The water, described as black and gelatinous, caused widespread illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, and severe headaches, with some experiencing long-term health problems and premature deaths. For over two weeks, authorities failed to admit the severity of the crisis, even suggesting residents add orange squash to mask the taste.
Decades later, many victims, like Carole Wyatt, continue to fight for justice, demanding a public inquiry that has yet to materialize. Archive footage and new interviews reveal the apparent incompetence and greed within the water industry, particularly during the lead-up to its privatization. Former minister Michael Howard denies any cover-up, calling it a "terrible mistake."
