South West Water admits criminal offence over Devon parasite outbreak | Water industry
A major utility company has admitted providing water unfit for human consumption after a parasite outbreak sickened more than 100 people in and around a seaside town.
South West Water (SWW) has pleaded guilty to the criminal offense relating to the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham, Devon, which affected 2,500 homes.
Nearly 150 cases of illness were confirmed in spring 2024, with some people requiring hospitalization, and many residents say the impacts of the outbreak are still being felt.
During an hour-long hearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court, the company pleaded guilty to breaching the Water Industry Act 1991. It will be sentenced in June and faces a fine of several hundred thousand pounds.
Joe Millington, representing the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which brought the prosecution, said it was an “extremely high-profile” incident. He said: “It has affected a significant number of people across a wide geographical area and has had a negative impact on public confidence in the water supply. Its effects have been felt for a long time. There has been local inconvenience, an economic impact and an impact on education.”
The outbreak was traced to a tank of water within a reservoir, although the court was told there remained an issue as to exactly how it happened.
Speaking after the guilty plea, residents said some people were still suffering health problems almost two years later. Jen Watts said her 10-year-old son developed food avoidance/restriction disorder after becoming ill during the outbreak. He spent four days in the hospital and Watts said he still had health issues.
She said: “I am relieved that they have pleaded guilty. I hope that the sentence will be strong and severe and that it will send a very clear message to all water companies that this is neither acceptable nor tolerated and that they will take into account the devastating and ongoing harm this has caused to innocent people like my son and many others.”
Lisa Horswill said she continued to experience pain and bloating that she blamed on the outbreak. “I’m still in pain,” she said.
Another resident, Tanya Mitchell, said: “If I turn on a tap I check to see if there is a smell or if the weather is cloudy. »
Law firm Irwin Mitchell said it represented a group of people aged between eight and 60 who were affected. Jatinder Paul, a public health lawyer at the firm, said: “Cryptosporidium can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for the most vulnerable people in society, such as the elderly and children.
“Although almost two years have passed since the outbreak, those we represent continue to be seriously affected. Some have suffered from illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome, while others are still suffering from the psychological impact.”
UK Water Minister Emma Hardy said water contamination was rare but completely unacceptable. She said: “The communities affected by this heinous incident in Brixham deserve answers, and today’s guilty plea is a crucial step towards accountability. »
Caroline Voaden, Lib Dem MP for South Devon, said: “This admission of guilt has been a long time coming. I am pleased that SWW has recognized its serious failings. This horrific event should never have happened.”
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause cryptosporidiosis, an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous disease. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever and loss of appetite.
SWW said: “We would like to reiterate our full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident in the Brixham area. We have co-operated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate throughout their investigations. Today is another step in this legal process which we will continue to support.”
