Brixham incident

Update 22 January 2025

David Harris, Managing Director of Water Services at South West Water, said:

“We know some of our customers have questions around the timeline of events during the outbreak of cryptosporidium in Brixham last year. We want to be clear that we received the first report of illness associated with cryptosporidium from the UK Heath Security Agency on the afternoon of Monday 13 May 2024. As soon as we became aware of these illnesses, we reviewed sampling data for the raw water at Littlehempston water treatment works and at the Hillhead service reservoir, and there were no detections to suggest that cryptosporidium was in the water supply. We also investigated the network, and no issues were found. Further specific monitoring in the Brixham area network took place throughout Tuesday 14 May 2024. In the early hours of Wednesday 15 May, the results were returned, and we identified cryptosporidium in the Hillhead supply area. We acted immediately and boil water notices were issued to those potentially affected. 

Given the prevalence of cryptosporidium within the environment, it is not unusual for water companies to receive notifications of cases of cryptosporidium and to then work alongside the UKHSA.

On the 13 May 2024, we were aware of cases of cryptosporidium, but it was not proven that they were caused by contamination of the water network. That could only be ascertained through additional sampling and testing which was set up as quickly as possible.

In line with standard industry practice, contamination is monitored within our service reservoirs through analysis of a range of indicator organisms and that routine monitoring did not indicate the presence of cryptosporidium prior to the incident.

As soon as we received positive detections of cryptosporidium within the water supply, boil water notices were promptly issued.

While the cryptosporidium outbreak was a rare event, we have, and continue to take it extremely seriously. Our priority was and remains to be, the health and wellbeing of our customers. We regularly test our water supply and have enhanced procedures in place so our customers can be reassured that their water remains safe to drink.

We are determined to rebuild trust in Brixham and beyond, and we will not rest until we have restored confidence in the services we provide.”

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