South West Water pleads guilty over Brixham water crisis

South West Water has pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption following the cryptosporidium outbreak that affected thousands of households in and around Brixham.

The prosecution was brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) after the incident in May 2024 left more than 140 people ill and four hospitalised with the diarrhoea-type illness.

Around 16,000 homes and businesses were initially advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first as the parasite spread through the supply network. For some properties, the boil water notice remained in place for 54 days before finally being lifted on 8 July.

The first confirmed cases were identified by the UK Health Security Agency on 14 May 2024, in the run-up to the May Bank Holiday. At the time, the company initially told customers the water was safe to drink before later confirming traces of cryptosporidium had been found in the network.

The outbreak caused widespread disruption across the Bay, forcing schools to close and businesses hit with bookings cancelled during a key tourism period.

South West Water admitted the offence, contrary to the Water Industry Act 1991, at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

The company offered a “full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident”. Sentencing will take place at a later hearing, with the firm due back in court on 2 June.

The DWI had asked for the case to be referred to Crown Court, arguing it was “high-profile or exceptionally sensitive”, which could have resulted in a larger penalty. However, lawyers representing the water company argued the matter could be dealt with at magistrates’ court level as the firm had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Previously, the company said it believed the contamination was caused by a damaged air valve on private land.

Pennon Group, which owns South West Water, said the outbreak contributed to costs of nearly £40 million for the business. Customers affected by the boil water notice, as well as those who became ill, were offered compensation.

Reacting to the guilty plea, Councillor Paul Arnott, deputy leader of Devon County Council and cabinet member for water quality, said the case highlighted the seriousness of the incident.

“The fact that South West Water has pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption is extremely serious,” he said.

“That failure of responsibility has damaged public trust and shows why stronger reform of our water system is urgently needed.”

Arnott said the council would publish a new pan-Devon water report later this year and is planning a major water summit this summer to bring together stakeholders and explore solutions.

“We need to explore bold ideas, such as the potential for a Devon Water Authority that would put the needs of our communities first,” he added.

The cryptosporidium outbreak had a significant impact on communities in Brixham, Kingswear and surrounding areas, damaging businesses and undermining confidence in local water supplies.

South West Water now faces a financial penalty when it returns to court for sentencing.