Key facts
- South West Water fined £1.95 million for supplying contaminated water.
- The contamination was caused by the parasite cryptosporidiosis.
- Four people were hospitalized due to the contaminated water.
- Over 16,000 homes were issued boil notices for up to 54 days.
- The Drinking Water Inspectorate imposed the fine.
South West Water has been fined £1.95 million after supplying water contaminated with cryptosporidiosis, a parasite that caused illness in four individuals, leading to their hospitalization. The company had previously assured residents that the water was safe to drink. Cryptosporidiosis is a waterborne illness known to cause severe sickness, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The fine was imposed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. More than 16,000 homes in the Brixham area were issued with boil notices for up to 54 days. A separate report indicates over 140 cases of sickness and diarrhea in Devon.