South West Water Ltd has been handed a record fine of nearly £2 million for supplying water unfit for human consumption following a parasitic outbreak in Devon. The company pleaded guilty to an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991 after cryptosporidium contaminated the drinking water, causing sickness and diarrhoea.
Court Details and Impact
Exeter Magistrates' Court heard there were 537 probable or confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis, with at least 10 people hospitalised. More than 16,000 homes in the Brixham area were issued boil notices, which remained in place for up to 54 days for some properties. District Judge Stuart Smith imposed a fine of £1,853,000, plus a £2,000 surcharge and £75,000 in costs, totalling £1,930,000.
The judge noted significant disruption to schools during GCSE exams, care homes, nurseries, and businesses. He described the incident as a major public health event that undermined public confidence in drinking water safety.
Contamination Source
The water supply is believed to have been contaminated at two sites on a farm in Devon. Investigations revealed a damaged air valve on a water main at Hillhead Farm, where soil samples tested positive for cryptosporidium. Additionally, unlawful cross-connections between the farm's private borehole and the public mains supply were identified as another potential cause.
Judge Smith criticised South West Water for failing to implement a policy on regular inspection of air valves, despite a recommendation from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in 2020. He described this as a systemic failure of governance.
Victim Impact
Residents shared harrowing accounts of the outbreak. One person suffered flu-like symptoms followed by vomiting and diarrhoea, requiring hospitalisation. Another described water that tasted like pond water, lost weight, and cancelled a holiday. Jennifer Watts, whose 10-year-old son spent three nights in hospital, expressed fears that life would never be the same.
Company Response
Dominic Kay KC, representing South West Water, offered an unreserved apology and expressed genuine remorse. He noted that the damage to the air valve was not reported to the company and that it was unaware of the unlawful cross-connections. The company said it acted reasonably once notified of the outbreak. South West Water's owner, Pennon, previously estimated the total cost of the outbreak at nearly £40 million.
Reactions
Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said the fine did not reflect the seriousness of the contamination or its effects on public health and the local economy. She called for reforms to the water industry. Marcus Rink, chief inspector of the DWI, stated that the guilty plea and fine demonstrate accountability for serious failings.
