Approximately 16,000 households and businesses in Brixham, Devon, have been urged to boil tap water following confirmed cases of cryptosporidium contamination, with local authorities and businesses taking measures to address the situation.
In Brixham, Devon, approximately 16,000 households and businesses have been advised to avoid drinking tap water without boiling it due to a cryptosporidium contamination. The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 46 cases of the illness, with additional cases anticipated. Cryptosporidium can cause symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, criticized South West Water (SWW) for its handling of the situation, indicating potential accountability issues. He emphasized prioritizing system restoration before assigning blame. The boil water notice was issued after initial denials from SWW and subsequent water tests revealing “small traces” of the parasite.
Dr. Lincoln Sargeant, Torbay’s public health director, indicated that initial contamination has been mostly addressed but warned of ongoing symptom development over the next two weeks. Despite measures to ensure safety, local businesses, such as The Station Guesthouse, suffered financial losses due to guest cancellations.
Residents first reported illness symptoms following a local pirate festival, with some cases requiring hospitalization for severe dehydration. Efforts to distribute bottled water are underway, but many have criticized SWW’s communication and management.
SWW’s chief customer officer, Laura Flowerdew, mentioned a damaged air pipe near cattle fields as a potential contamination source. Meanwhile, health authorities and local businesses are working to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.
