Brixham residents advised to 'boil water' as infection found in water supply

At least 16 people have been confirmed with the parasitic illness

In a change of course, South West Water has advised that water be boiled before drinking after cryptosporidium was found in the supply.

The water company has urged residents across Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and north-east Paignton to boil tap water.

South West Water said: “Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consuming following new test results for cryptosporidium. We are issuing this notice following small traces of the organism identified overnight and this morning. We are working with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to urgently investigate and eliminate the source.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated. Bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas as soon as possible.”

Read more about the issue here.

Background

The data from our tests over the last several weeks showed that the treated water leaving SWW's treatment works was not contaminated. However, in the Hillhead section of our network further tests taken overnight and working with the advice of UK Health Security Agency they have now found small traces of cryptosporidium and are therefore issuing the boil water notice.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite which can cause sickness and diarrhoea if consumed – drinking water can become contaminated due to various reasons but we are fully investigating the cause.

SWW continued: "We ask that customers informed of the notice do not drink tap water without first boiling it and allowing it to cool.

"This should also be done for preparing or cooking food or cleaning teeth. Boiled water can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 24 hours.

"Water can continue to be used as normal for washing, bathing and toilet flushing.

"If people have consumed the water and feel unwell, we advise they contact their GP

"Boil water notices will be hand delivered to affected customers and the postcodes impacted by the notice are listed on our website."