South West Water provide further updates on cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham
South West Water also provided reassurance that all schools, care homes and non-household vulnerable customers have received deliveries of water bottles
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs convened a meeting on Thursday 16th May to receive an update from South West Water and the UK Health Security Agency on the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham, South Devon.
Anthony Mangnall, the Member of Parliament for Totnes and South Devon whose constituency includes the affected areas of Brixham and Kingswear, joined DEFRA officials in questioning South West Water CEO Susan Davy on the water company’s actions since the outbreak was confirmed on Monday 13th May, as well as the timeline moving forward.
Also present at the meeting were Kevin Foster MP, whose Torbay constituency includes parts of Paignton which has also been affected, Torbay Council and representatives of the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
South West Water confirmed they believe they have located the source of contamination into the water supply and have initiated a fix, but are continuing their investigations and will be testing their network to ensure water is safe. The Boil Water notice which is currently in place for much of Brixham and the surrounding area is therefore likely to continue for at least another six days, with bottled water provided for residents throughout this period.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate, formed to provide independent reassurance that drinking water quality is acceptable, highlighted the need for due process to be followed in order to keep residents safe, and for thorough testing to be carried out before the Boil Water notice is lifted.
There are currently two stations available for residents to collect bottled water – one at Broadsands Car Park and another at Freshwater Quarry Car Park.
Vulnerable customers and those on the Priority Services Register have received deliveries of bottled water and will continue to do so, while those who are unable to access bottled water stations will be able to call South West Water to receive a delivery.
South West Water also provided reassurance that all schools, care homes and non-household vulnerable customers have received deliveries of water bottles.
South West Water previously confirmed that household customers issued with a Boil Water notice would receive a £15 payment, and have now agreed to pay an additional £100 compensation. Customers who pay by Direct Debit will receive £115 direct to their bank account by 21st May, while those who do not have a Direct Debit arrangement will receive £115 credit on their water account.
A helpline is also being established to support businesses.
Speaking after the meeting, Anthony Mangnall MP said:
“I am very concerned about SWW's response to this situation, as they have been slow to act and communication with customers has been very poor. This has certainly undermined trust in our water network, and I will certainly keep working with colleagues at DEFRA to ensure South West Water are held to account over this issue.
“As well as speaking regularly to South West Water to stay up to date on this matter, I will also work with Torbay Council, Brixham Town Council, Kevin Foster and other local stakeholders to ensure better communication with residents. I held a further meeting this afternoon with South West Water and local councillors where again we emphasised the need for better communication to residents.
“My team and I are on hand to help those affected, and have even delivered bottled water to residents this morning.”