Devon in Crisis: Parasite Outbreak Sends Two to Hospital
Brixham, Devon, is reeling after a waterborne parasite outbreak forced two people into hospital. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay revealed the shocking crisis during an urgent Commons session. South West Water blames a faulty air valve on private land for the spike in cryptosporidium cases.
Cryptosporidium Cases on the Rise
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 46 infections so far. But with symptoms taking up to 10 days to appear, experts warn the number of cases could climb sharply.
MP Slams Water Company for Delay
Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall for Totnes blasted South West Water’s handling of the disaster.
“Residents were drinking contaminated water for 24 hours while being told all was fine,”
said Mangnall.
He warned the official figure “massively underestimates” those affected after prolonged exposure to the parasite.
Political Storm Erupts Over Water Safety
Labour piled on the pressure, accusing the government of negligence and comparing water firms’ actions to “pumping a tidal wave of raw sewage” into homes. But Barclay hit back, blaming farmyard waste and dismissing Labour’s claims as political “knockabout.”
Thousands Left Relying on Bottled Water
Some 8,000 locals near Hillhead Reservoir remain cut off from safe tap water, forced to depend on bottled supplies. Mangnall demands a full investigation into South West Water’s response to protect the battered local community and businesses.
South West Water initially claimed the tap water was safe before backtracking. CEO Susan Davy apologised, admitting the firm “fell significantly short” in handling the outbreak.
