David Harris : Water Company’s Response to Brixham Parasite Outbreak, MP Calls it ‘Contemptible’

By | May 18, 2024
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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Brixham parasite outbreak
2. Water company response

Around 16,000 households and businesses in Brixham, Devon, supplied by South West Water, have been advised to boil tap water before drinking due to 46 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium. Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall criticized SWW’s response, calling it inadequate and putting public health at risk. SWW issued a “boil water notice” for affected areas and is investigating the source of contamination. Local businesses, like Flotsam 50, have suffered losses. Residents are urged to use boiled water for consumption. The UKHSA and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Stay updated on this developing story impacting Brixham’s community.

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1. Brixham water contamination response
2. MP condemnation of Brixham parasite outbreak

Thousands Warned to Boil Water in Brixham After Cryptosporidium Outbreak

Around 16,000 homes and businesses in the picturesque seaside town of Brixham, nestled in the heart of Devon, have been advised by South West Water (SWW) to boil their tap water before consumption due to a recent outbreak of cryptosporidium.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that 46 cases of the waterborne parasite had been confirmed in the area, with more expected to follow. Cryptosporidium can cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting, prompting the precautionary measures.

Local Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, representing the Totnes constituency which includes Brixham, criticized SWW for their handling of the situation, calling their response “inadequate.” He expressed disappointment in the water company for initially denying any connection to the network, only to later backtrack on their stance.

Mangnall vowed to address the issue in the House of Commons and with local authorities, emphasizing the need for accountability and compensation for affected businesses.

Anthony Mangnall, Conservative MP for Totnes, had previously said ‘heads are going to roll’ (Claire Hayhurst/PA)
Anthony Mangnall, Conservative MP for Totnes, had previously said ‘heads are going to roll’ (Claire Hayhurst/PA)

SWW issued a “boil water notice” for the Alston and Hillhead areas of Brixham after detecting small traces of the parasite in water tests. They have since drained a water tank at the Hillhead reservoir, where the contamination was identified.

David Harris, SWW’s drought and resilience director, expressed regret for the disruption caused and identified a damaged valve on private land as a possible source of the issue. The company is working to investigate the cause and eliminate any other contamination risks in the network.

Torbay’s director of public health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, noted that while the initial contamination had been addressed, a delay in symptom onset could lead to a rise in cases over the next couple of weeks.

Brixham contaminated water
Store owner Sally Dart described South West Water as ‘appalling’ (Piers Mucklejohn/PA)

Local business owners, like Sally Dart from Flotsam 50 near Brixham Harbour, have expressed frustration with SWW’s lack of communication and the impact on their livelihoods. Dart reported a significant drop in business due to the outbreak and criticized the water company for neglecting to address the issue promptly.

Residents are advised to continue boiling water for consumption and hygiene purposes, while SWW assures that water can still be used as usual for non-consumption activities like washing and bathing. The company is actively investigating the source of contamination to prevent future incidents.