Liberal Democrat politicians have condemned a water company after it admitted supplying drinking water “unfit for human consumption” during a parasitic outbreak that left residents ill and thousands unable to use their taps.
South West Water pleaded guilty to the offence following a cryptosporidium outbreak that affected communities in and around Brixham, Devon, in 2024. The prosecution was brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate after the contamination led to more than 140 confirmed cases of illness and four hospitalisations.
Liberal Democrat environment and rural affairs spokesperson Tim Farron MP described the admission as a serious failure by the company.
Mr Farron said: “This is an appalling admission of failure from South West Water and a betrayal of public trust. This should never have been allowed to happen.
“Bosses at South West Water have prioritised profits over people for far too long. The era of water firms marking their own homework must end.
“Liberal Democrats are calling for every penny of the fines paid by South West Water to be reinvested directly back into the local area. This money belongs to the communities that suffered.
“We need a change in ownership model so that companies become mutually owned by customers and employees, and regulated by a much stronger, unified regulator.”
The outbreak led to widespread disruption for residents, with about 16,000 households advised not to drink tap water unless it had been boiled.
The first confirmed cases were identified by the UK Health Security Agency on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. At that time the company told customers the water was safe to drink.
A day later, on Wednesday, May 15, the company confirmed traces of cryptosporidium had been found in the supply network and issued a boil water notice to homes and businesses in and around Brixham.
South Devon MP Caroline Voaden also criticised the company following its guilty plea.
Ms Voaden said: “A year ago, South West Water’s CEO claimed customers were a priority – today, the company pleaded guilty to supplying water totally unfit for human consumption.
“While this admission is long overdue, this tragedy simply should never have happened.
“I want to thank the DWI and the tireless campaigners who kept this crisis in the spotlight. One this is now beyond clear – we need faster, tougher regulation to hold these companies properly to account.”
Advice not to drink tap water without boiling it first remained in place for 54 days for some properties before being lifted on Monday, July 8.
South West Water admitted the offence, contrary to the Water Industry Act 1991, at Exeter Magistrates’ Court and issued what it described as a “full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident”.
The company previously said it believed a damaged air valve on private land caused the outbreak. The parasite incident was estimated to have cost its parent company, Pennon Group, nearly £40 million.
Customers affected by the boil water notice, including those who became ill, were offered compensation.
Sentencing is due to take place at the magistrates’ court on June 2.
