A Devon MP says her constituents “still don’t trust the drinking water” a year after the cryptosporidium outbreak – after it was announced South West Water is being taken to court.
The water firm apologised after it found “small traces” of the parasite cryptosporidium – which causes cryptosporidiosis – in the Hillhead reservoir in May last year.
At first, it said the water was safe to drink, but then had to issue a boil notice to 16,000 households and businesses in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and North West Paignton.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, a total of 118 cases were recorded, with locals telling Sky News at the time they were left sick for weeks.
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The Drinking Water Inspectorate announced on Friday that a court summons had been issued to South West Water for prosecution for potential offences under section 70(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991.
That section of the legislation makes it a criminal offence for a water company to supply water that is unfit for human consumption.
Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said in a statement that she was “pleased to hear” about the proceedings against South West Water.
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“It’s important we find out exactly what South West Water knew, and when, and why they told people the water was safe to drink when it wasn’t,” she said.
“Many of my constituents still don’t trust the drinking water and are paying for bottled water more than a year on from the outbreak.
“This incident affected the whole community, damaged businesses, hurt the local economy, and most importantly, made many people severely ill.
“It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but finally, we are seeing South West Water brought to account.”
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The summons is listed on 2 October before Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
Marcus Rink, chief inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, said: “The Brixham incident was serious with significant impact on the public and the wider community.
“Accordingly, I consider it appropriate to pass the matter to the court to consider the evidence in the public interest.”
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A spokesperson for South West Water told Sky News: “We will reflect on this summons. South West Water has cooperated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate from the outset of this incident to help in its investigations.
“We take this incident extremely seriously, and we will continue to engage fully in response to these legal proceedings.
“In the meantime, our focus remains on delivering clean, safe drinking water to our c.2 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly.”
