A West Country school has been forced to close after a parasite was found in its water supply

A West Country primary school has been forced to close today (Thursday 16 May) following confirmation from South West Water (SWW) of a parasite contaminating the drinking water. Eden Park Primary School in Brixham, Devon, has announced it will not be accepting pupils due to the outbreak.

Despite earlier assurances to residents that the tests were clear, SWW revealed yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) that a “small trace” of the Cryptosporidium parasite had been detected in Brixham’s water supply, Devon Live reports. Residents in the affected area were advised to drink boiled and cooled tap water to prevent infection.

To provide residents with safe drinking water, bottled water stations were set up on Wednesday (May 15). However, Eden Park Primary informed parents last night that they had not received bottled water.

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In a message to parents, Eden Park said it would remain closed on Thursday because it could not safely accommodate students without clean drinking water. The full statement released last night said: “Eden Park Primary School was only informed this afternoon (15/5/24) that the school is in an area where tap water should be boiled.”

“The school has taken swift action to implement safety plans and contact the appropriate authorities regarding the provision of safe drinking water.”

“At the time of writing this update (7.30pm) and despite repeated calls to South West Water regarding the urgency of the situation, the school has not received any bottled water or assurances as to when the water will be delivered. To enable parents and carers. to make childcare plans for the morning, leaders have made the difficult decision to close school tomorrow, Thursday, May 16.”

“All Year 6 children should go to school as usual to complete their final SAT paper in the morning. She should bring her full water bottle and be picked up at 11:15. The school will also provide bottled water for the children and school staff should not attend school tomorrow.”

“A further update will be provided tomorrow afternoon regarding the opening of school on Friday, May 17. Thank you for your understanding with this rapidly changing situation.”

Hundreds of residents are believed to be suffering from a variety of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, low-grade fever and loss of appetite.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can live in the intestines and feces of infected humans and animals. It can be spread by swimming or drinking contaminated water, but it can also be transmitted through food.

A spokesman for South West Water issued a warning, saying: “Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of ​​Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consumption following new cryptosporidium test results. We issue this notification following small traces of the organism identified. overnight and this morning.

“We are working with the UK’s Health Security Agency and other public health partners to investigate and remove the source as a matter of urgency. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses informed. Bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas. as soon as possible.”