Major water company hit with seven-figure fine after cryptosporidium outbreak
‘Where’s the justice?’: Brixham residents react after water firm pleads guilty over parasite outbreak that left 143 people ill
South West Water has been fined almost £2 million for supplying water contaminated with the cryptosporidium parasite in Brixham, Devon.
The outbreak led to 143 confirmed cases of illness, with hundreds, including children, experiencing severe sickness and diarrhoea, some requiring hospital treatment.
Over 16,000 properties in the area were issued boil notices, with some remaining in place for up to 54 days, significantly disrupting residents’ lives.
The contamination is believed to have originated from a Devon farm, entering the water supply through a damaged air valve that had not been properly inspected since 2011, despite company policy.
South West Water pleaded guilty to an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991, expressing “unreserved apology” and “genuine remorse” for the incident, which cost its owner nearly £40 million.
