South West Water has announced an increase in compensation to customers in Brixham following the detection of cryptosporidium in the area’s water network. The decision comes as the company continues its efforts to address the situation and alleviate concerns among residents and businesses.
On May 15, the company’s extended monitoring and sampling revealed small traces of cryptosporidium in the Hillhead area of its local water network. Subsequently, South West Water issued a boil water notice to approximately 16,000 households and businesses, advising them to boil tap water before consumption.
Initially, customers affected by the notice were promised £15 compensation under South West Water’s Customer Promise. However, in recognition of the stress and worry caused by the situation, the company has decided to increase the compensation by £100 per customer.
Laura Flowerdew, South West Water’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, expressed the company’s sincere apology for the disruption caused to customers in the Brixham and Alston areas. Flowerdew reiterated that protecting customers’ health and ensuring a clean, safe drinking water supply remains the company’s top priorities.
In addition to increasing compensation, South West Water is establishing a dedicated phoneline to address concerns from local businesses and water retailers affected by the incident. This initiative aims to expedite the compensation process and provide support to those impacted.
The company is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to investigate the source of cryptosporidium contamination and implement corrective measures promptly. South West Water has also set up bottled water collection points in Paignton and Brixham, with continued delivery services for customers in need.
Customers can verify whether they are in the affected areas using South West Water’s postcode tracker available on their website.
South West Water reassures customers that it remains committed to resolving the issue swiftly and restoring the drinking water supply to the high-quality standards expected by its customers.
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