MP says source of Brixham cryptosporidium contamination has been found

A Devon MP has publicly announced that the source of the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham which has contaminated drinking water has now been identified by South West Water (SWW). The cause is said to be a damaged air valve in the Hillhead area.

According to Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, whose constituency also includes Brixham, the valve 'may have allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to enter the local supply'. The news was posted on the MP's Facebook at around 11.30am today, May 16, following a meeting convened by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Half an hour later, SWW issued a press release which stated it is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to urgently investigate how cryptosporidium is getting into its network so it can be fixed.

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• South West Water increases compensation for Brixham cryptosporidium victims

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Yesterday, May 15, SWW confirmed it had detected 'small traces' of the organism in Alston and the Hillhead area of the coastal town - less than 24 hours after stating it was safe to drink the water after all its water supply tests had come back clear.

The latest data supplied by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was publicised yesterday, May 15, when it announced 22 confirmed cases. It has not been disclosed where those people live but the 'majority' are in Brixham, according to the agency.

Mr Mangnall has criticised SWW's response and handling of the situation and is calling for it to be held to account.

He said: "I have just attended a meeting convened by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to receive an update from South West Water and the UK Health Security Agency. SWW believe they have located the source of the issue and initiated a fix, but are continuing their investigations and will be testing their network to ensure water is safe.

"The boil water notice is therefore likely to be in place for at least a further six or seven days, with bottled water available throughout this period. Vulnerable customers and those on the Priority Services register will continue to receive regular deliveries of bottled water, while those who are unable to access bottled water stations will be able to call SWW to receive a delivery.

"I have also been assured that all schools, care homes and non-household vulnerable customers have received deliveries of water bottles. A second bottled water station has now been set up at Freshwater Quarry Car Park and will be open until 9pm tonight.

"SWW previously confirmed that household customers issued with a Boil Water notice would receive a £15 payment, and have now agreed to pay an additional £100 compensation. Customers who pay by Direct Debit will receive £115 direct to their bank account by May 21, while those who do not have a Direct Debit arrangement will receive £115 credit on their water account.

"I am very concerned about SWW's response to this situation, as they have been slow to act and communication with customers has been very poor. This has certainly undermined trust in our water network, and I will certainly keep working with colleagues at DEFRA to ensure SWW are held to account over this issue.

"I will also work with Torbay Council, Brixham Town Council, Kevin Foster and other local stakeholders to ensure better communication with residents. My team and I are on hand to help, and have even delivered bottled water to residents this morning."

In a response to a comment on his Facebook page about the source of the contamination, he replied: "A damaged air valve in the Hillhead area, which may have allowed animal waste or contaminated ground water to enter the local supply."

In the press statement released by SWW today, detailing how its previous compensation offer of £15 to affected customers is now being increased by £100, it said: "South West Water is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to urgently investigate how cryptosporidium is getting into its network so it can be fixed and the drinking supply returned to the high-quality standards expected by its customers as quickly as possible."

SWW has been approached for a comment.