South West Water has confirmed that over 14,000 households in Brixham no longer have to boil their water before drinking it. Last week, the company issued a warning to around 17,000 households and businesses after traces of cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes diarrhoea, were discovered in its network. However, around 2,500 properties in Hillhead, upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear are still advised to boil their drinking water.
The outbreak is thought to have infected 46 people, with over 100 others reporting symptoms. SWW has apologised for the disruption caused, and said it will increase compensation payments to affected residents by £100 (bringing the total to £215). It has isolated and repaired a damaged valve on private land in Hillhead, which it believes was the “possible cause of contamination”.
Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, whose Totnes constituency covers Brixham, called the outbreak “totally unacceptable” and called for an explanation of its cause. Last Tuesday, SWW declared tap water in Brixham safe to drink, only to withdraw this assurance within 24 hours. Since then, local residents have criticised the company’s communication.
Laura Flowerdew, SWW’s chief customer officer, confirmed that the boil water order would remain for the 2,500 affected properties for several more days. She stressed that public health was “absolutely critical” and that water safety issues had been identified through “evidence-based” decision-making. SWW has called on customers to use its postcode checker to confirm whether or not they remain in the affected area
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