Water firm's court summons over parasite outbreak

More than 100 cases of cryptosporidiosis were linked to the outbreak

South West Water has been issued a court summons after an investigation into a parasite outbreak in water supply in Brixham, Devon.

More than 100 cases of cryptosporidiosis were linked to the outbreak, which caused sickness and diarrhoea, in May 2024.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate announced the summons had been issued to the company for prosecution for potential offences under section 70(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991.

The case is listed to be heard on 2 October at Exeter Magistrates' Court. South West Water said it had "co-operated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate from the outset of this incident to help in its investigations" and "we will reflect on this summons".

Marcus Rink, chief inspector of the 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."

In a statement, South West Water said: "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 two million customers across Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly."