The CEO of South West Water (SWW), Susan Davy, has offered her apologies following an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to the supply of drinking water in south Devon. As of Wednesday, 22 cases of the diarrhoea-inducing illness had been publicised by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), while over 100 individuals have reported symptoms related to the illness in the past week. On Thursday, SWW said that it had located the potential source of the dangerous parasite, which it believes entered the water network. In the meantime, approximately 16,000 businesses and households had to adhere to “boil notices” until the situation is under control.
Davy has stated that the company is dedicated to continuing work until the issue has been resolved, and expressed apologies to the affected customers across the south-west. She confirmed that ground technicians have been working ceaselessly to identify the contamination source and rectify the situation to ensure that the company can resume the usual water supply. She added that customers anticipate a safe, clean and reliable source of drinking water, and such incidents are scarce. In so far as the parasite cryptosporidium is concerned, infections can occur when individuals drink or swallow contaminated water in pools or streams, leading to a prolonged episode of diarrhoea.
According to health officials, cryptosporidium outbreaks affect around 3,000-6,000 individuals each year in the UK. The parasite’s incubation period may last up to two weeks, so it is possible that the illness remains prevalent in the region for a while after its resolution. Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia added that cases of cryptosporidium may be seen in the area for at least the next ten days. SWW officials confirmed that investigations will continue until the issue is solved, and water quality tests remain ongoing. Davy acknowledged that the company had fallen significantly short of customer expectations and, as a compensation measure, the affected customers would receive £115; however, the amount is open ended.
Schools in the area have been deeply affected by the crisis, with one primary school obliged to shut down because it relies on potable water, while South Devon College will remain open as much as possible, with all the necessary safety protocols in place. A Broadsands Beach campsite has experienced a significant loss of business due to the contaminated water, with customers contacting the park and claiming it was too risky to visit. Meanwhile, Michael Smith, owner of Venus Café, claims that £115 would not represent matching compensation for the company and projected losses. Losses may run into thousands since the cafe is losing up to £400 or £500 daily, and the upcoming half-term is likely to worsen the situation
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