South West Water admits drinking water offence

South West Water (SWW) has pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption after an outbreak of cryptosporidium in and around Brixham, Devon, in May 2024.

The prosecution was brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate after the incident, which left four people hospitalised and more than 140 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium infection.

About 16,000 households were initially advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first. Customers who were affected by the boil water notice, and those who were unwell, were offered compensation by SWW.

SWW admitted the offence, contrary to the Water Industry Act 1991, at Exeter Magistrates' Court. It will be sentenced at a later hearing.

The outbreak occurred in the run-up to the May Bank Holiday and led to a significant impact on the local tourism economy.

The first confirmed cases of people affected by the water parasite outbreak were confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 14 May 2024.

The firm told customers the water was safe to drink at that time.

On 15 May 2024, the company confirmed that traces of cryptosporidium had been found in the supply network and issued a boil water notice to about 16,000 homes and businesses in and around Brixham.

The outbreak led to more than 140 confirmed cases of the diarrhoea-type illness, with four hospitalisations.

Advice not to drink tap water without boiling it first remained in place for 54 days for some properties, before it was finally lifted on 8 July.

Previously, SWW said it believed a damaged air valve on private land was the cause for the outbreak.

The Pennon Group, which owns the utility, said the parasite outbreak contributed to a nearly £40m bill for the company.

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