Boil Water Alert Hits 16,000 in Brixham Over Cryptosporidium Scare
South West Water has slapped a Boil Water Notice on roughly 16,000 homes and businesses in and around Brixham. The warning comes after cryptosporidium, a nasty parasite, was found in the local supply. Residents must boil their tap water before drinking or using it for cooking, brushing teeth, or food prep.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The notice covers customers in Brixham as well as nearby Alston, Hillhead, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland, and North West Paignton. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a spike in cryptosporidium cases, prompting South West Water to act swiftly to keep the public safe.
Support for Residents: Bottled Water & Compensation
South West Water is providing bottled water collection points around the area and delivering supplies to vulnerable customers, care homes, schools, and hospitals. Plus, household customers impacted will receive an automatic £115 compensation payment by 21 May.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Advice
While South West Water believes they’ve identified the contamination source, investigations are still active. The boil water notice remains in force until further notice.
Water Minister Robbie Moore said: “South West Water is working hard to fix this and restore clean water. Boiled water is safe, and residents must stick to boiling advice.”
Residents should boil and cool water before use and may store boiled water in a covered fridge container for up to 24 hours. However, it’s safe to use normal tap water for washing, bathing, or flushing toilets.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environment Agency are also on the case, teaming up with South West Water and health authorities to resolve the issue fast.
For updates and advice, residents should check South West Water’s official website.
