South West Water (SWW) has pleaded guilty to supplying unfit drinking water after a cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon left over 140 people ill and four hospitalized. The company admitted the offense under section 70(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991 during a hearing at Exeter Magistrates' Court.
Key Takeaways
South West Water pleaded guilty to supplying unfit drinking water after a cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon left over 140 people ill. The company faces significant fines but has assured customers they will not bear the cost. Meanwhile, South East Water is fined £22m for repeated supply failures affecting hundreds of thousands.
The outbreak, which occurred in May 2024, led to a boil water notice for approximately 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area. The notice remained in place for up to eight weeks, severely impacting residents' daily lives and the local tourism economy.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) prosecuted SWW, arguing that the case should be sent to the Crown Court for sentencing due to its high-profile nature and significant impact on public health. However, SWW's representatives argued that the magistrates' court could handle the case.
Residents affected by the outbreak reported long-term health issues, including stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some residents continue to experience symptoms nearly two years later. The outbreak also had economic implications, affecting education and local businesses.
The company faces significant fines and compensation costs, with estimates reaching nearly £40 million. SWW has offered a full and unreserved apology for the impact of the incident and will be sentenced on June 2 at Exeter Magistrates' Court. The DWI clarified that any fine would come out of profit and dividends to shareholders, ensuring customers do not bear the cost.
In related news, South East Water has been fined £22.5m by Ofwat for repeated supply failures in Kent and Sussex between 2020 and 2023 that affected more than 286,000 people. The regulator found that the company's failures left it unable to cope during periods of high demand or extreme weather. South East Water has filed for a judicial review of Ofwat's draft decision but respects the court's decision not to grant an interim injunction.
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