Major water company hit with seven-figure fine after cryptosporidium outbreak

• South West Water has been fined almost £2 million for supplying water contaminated with the cryptosporidium parasite in Brixham , Devon .
• The outbreak led to 143 confirmed cases of illness , with hundreds, including children, experiencing severe sickness and diarrhoea, some requiring hospital treatment.
• Over 16,000 properties in the area were issued boil notices, with some remaining in place for up to 54 days, significantly disrupting residents' lives.
• The contamination is believed to have originated from a Devon farm, entering the water supply through a damaged air valve that had not been properly inspected since 2011, despite company policy.
• South West Water pleaded guilty to an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991, expressing "unreserved apology" and "genuine remorse" for the incident, which cost its owner nearly £40 million.

IN FULL

South West Water fined almost £2m for supplying water unfit for humans after parasite outbreak