- Boil water notice lifted for 14,500 Brixham households
- 2,500 properties in Brixham and Kingswear still affected
- SWW increases compensation by £100, totaling £215
In Devon, thousands of previously compelled residents to boil their water in response to a parasite infestation have been spared the inconvenience.
South West Water (SWW) announced that boiling water before consumption will no longer be recommended for 14,500 Brixham households.
The company reported that the boil water notice was issued to 17,000 households and businesses on Wednesday in response to its network’s discovery of cryptosporidium, a parasite responsible for diarrhea.
Approximately 2,500 properties in Hillhead, upper portions of Brixham, and Kingswear are still advised to boil potable water.
Health officials have reported that over a hundred individuals have reported symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, and 46 cases have been confirmed to be associated with the outbreak.
Anthony Mangnall, Conservative representative for the Totnes constituency that includes Brixham, applauded the lifting of restrictions but described the situation as “completely intolerable.”
He added, “I share the indignation of the citizens of Brixham and the surrounding area, and we require definitive explanations for what transpired and its source.”
Laura Flowerdew, the chief customer officer of SWW, expressed regret for the incident.
She stated that this circumstance has generated considerable distress, anxiety, and disruption.
We sincerely regret that this has occurred.
Adoptive mother of two, Michaela Lewis, declared that she had lost all faith in the quality of the water supply.
She reported that her daughter, age five, had been ill for approximately two weeks.
“I am extremely enraged,” she declared.
This reaction has infuriated me the most despite acknowledging that such occurrences are inevitable.
Simply put, asserting that the water was secure without sufficient evidence is insufficient.
“Distressing”
Ms. Lewis disclosed that she had inadvertently provided her children with contaminated water for at least one week after the onset of their symptoms.
After additional individuals began to fall ill, she realized there was a more extensive issue.
Despite South West Water’s assurances, she explained that we continued to use bottled water. “We knew it was not safe.”
Given the number of ill individuals in a confined area due to a waterborne parasite, the source must be the water.
In response, Ms. Flowerdew stated, “As a mother myself, I find that extremely upsetting; I can do nothing but extend my apologies.”
The water company announced that the compensation offered to the remaining afflicted residents would be increased by £100, for a total of £215.
According to SWW, the “possible cause of contamination” is a faulty valve on private property in the Hillhead supply area.
It was stated that the area had been “repaired and isolated from the network since then.”
Those uncertain whether they reside in an area infected with the parasite are advised to contact the water company by telephone or its postcode verifier.
Ms. Flowerdew could not predict when the boil water notice would be withdrawn for the remaining 2,500 properties.
She stated that we anticipate that the work will continue through the weekend and into the following week.
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Due to the critical nature of public health, we are diligently working to ensure that all necessary measures have been taken before revoking the advisory.
We anticipate that this will continue for several days.
On Tuesday, the water company declared the town’s tap water safe to consume. However, within twenty-four hours, the company reversed course and advised residents to boil their water.
SDW’s communication with residents has been a source of discontent since the parasite outbreak commenced.
When asked about the U-turn, Ms. Flowerdew responded, “We have made every decision based on evidence.”
“At the time of issuing the advisory on Tuesday, there was no evidence to suggest that the water supply contained cryptosporidium.
We issued a notice when we obtained information that supported our position with solid evidence.
According to Ms. Flowerdew, before the boil notice is completely lifted, the firm will seek “evidence” that the water was safe to consume.
“What is critical at this time is to investigate the Hillhead region, confirm the source of the problem beyond any reasonable doubt, and resolve that problem,” she advised.
Ensuring public health is a critical concern.
