A major utility company has admitted to supplying water unfit for human consumption after a parasite outbreak sickened more than 100 people in and around a coastal town.
South West Water (SWW) has pleaded guilty to criminal offenses relating to the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham, Devon, which affected 2,500 households.
Nearly 150 cases of illness were confirmed in spring 2024, some people required hospital treatment, 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 an offense under the Water Industry Act 1991. She will be sentenced in June and faces a fine of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Joe Millington, a representative of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which brought the charge, said it was an “extremely high-profile” incident. He said: “This affected a significant number of people across a wide geographical area and resulted in an adverse impact on public confidence in the water supply. Its effects were felt for a long time. There was local inconvenience, economic impact and impact on education.”
The outbreak was traced to a water tank in a reservoir, although the court was told it is not yet known exactly how it happened.
After pleading guilty, residents claimed some people were still suffering from health problems nearly two years later. Jen Watts said her 10-year-old son developed food avoidance/restriction disorder after getting sick during the outbreak. He spent four days in the hospital and Watts said he was still struggling with his health.
She said: “I am relieved that they have pleaded guilty. I hope the sentence is strong and severe and sends a very clear message to all water companies that it is not acceptable or tolerated and that they 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 swelling which she attributed to the outbreak. “I’m still suffering,” he said.
Another resident, Tanya Mitchell, said: “If I turn on a tap, I check to see if I smell any odors or see how cloudy it is.”
Law firm Irwin Mitchell said it represented a group of people aged between eight and 60 who were affected. Jatinder Paul, public health lawyer at the firm, said: “Cryptosporidium can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for the most vulnerable in society, such as the elderly and children.
“While we are approaching two years since the outbreak, those we represent continue to be greatly affected. Some have experienced conditions 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 absolutely unacceptable. He said: “The communities affected by this abhorrent incident in Brixham deserve answers, and today’s guilty plea is a crucial step towards accountability.”
Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said: “This admission of guilt has been a long time coming. I am pleased that SWW has acknowledged its serious failures. This terrible 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 on the Brixham area. We have co-operated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate throughout their investigations. Today is another stage of this legal process which we will continue to support.”
