Water firm fined £1.8m over parasite outbreak

On 15 May 2024, the company confirmed traces of cryptosporidium had been found in the supply network and issued a boil water notice to about 17,000 homes and businesses in and around Brixham.

Advice not to drink tap water without boiling it remained in place for 54 days for some properties in the area, before it was finally lifted on 8 July.

The DWI’s investigation found cryptosporidium from animal faeces had entered the drinking water supply network on agricultural land, likely via an exposed and faulty air valve covered in mud.

DWI chief inspector Marcus Rink said: “While serious incidents like this are rare, this case highlights how crucial it is for companies to maintain the highest standards — or face serious consequences if they fail to do so.”

In victim statements summarised to the court by Joe Millington, representing the DWI, people spoke of the impact the outbreak had on their lives.

One person described flu-like symptoms for about 10 days before experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to them being taken to hospital by ambulance.

“My illness made me feel as if I had been beaten up,” they said.