South West Water Pleads Guilty Over Unsafe Water Supply
South West Water (SWW) has admitted to supplying water unfit for human consumption following a cryptosporidium outbreak in and around Brixham, Devon, in May 2024.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) brought the prosecution after the incident resulted in four hospitalisations and over 140 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium infection.
Initially, approximately 16,000 households were advised to boil tap water before consumption.
Legal Proceedings and Apology
SWW pleaded guilty to the offence, contrary to the Water Industry Act 1991, at Exeter Magistrates' Court and issued a
"full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident". Sentencing will occur at a later date.
The outbreak took place shortly before the May Bank Holiday, significantly affecting the local tourism economy.
Timeline and Public Health Response
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the first cases of cryptosporidium infection on 14 May 2024. At that time, SWW informed customers that the water was safe to drink.
On 15 May 2024, the company confirmed detecting traces of cryptosporidium in the supply network and issued a boil water notice to around 16,000 homes and businesses in the Brixham area.
The outbreak caused over 140 confirmed cases of diarrhoea-type illness, with four individuals requiring hospital treatment.
The boil water advisory remained in effect for some properties for 54 days, until it was lifted on 8 July.
Cause and Financial Impact
SWW previously identified a damaged air valve on private land as the likely cause of the outbreak.
The Pennon Group, which owns South West Water, reported that the parasite outbreak contributed to nearly a £40 million cost for the company.
Compensation and Official Statements
Customers affected by the boil water notice and those who became ill were offered compensation by SWW.
Water Minister Emma Hardy stated:
"Contamination of drinking water is rare - but it is utterly unacceptable. The communities affected by this abhorrent incident in Brixham deserve answers, and today's guilty plea is a crucial step toward accountability. I thank the DWI for their thorough investigation and for their ongoing work to protect public health and ensure that our drinking water is safe."
Marcus Rink, chief inspector of the DWI, commented:
"The company's decision to plead guilty to the offences relating to the Brixham incident reflects the seriousness of the failings identified during our investigation. As sentencing is a matter for the court, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specific circumstances of the case at this stage. While such incidents are very rare, this incident had a significant impact on the public and the wider community. The court will now decide what the outcome of the failing should be."
Company Response
Following the hearing, SWW said:
"We want to reiterate our full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident in the Brixham area in 2024. We have co-operated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate throughout its investigations. Today is another stage of this legal process which we will continue to support."
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