Cryptosporidium outbreak blamed on ‘animal waste’ in Devon drinking water

Likely source of cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon revealed. Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, which includes the vomit-affected area of ​​Brixham, said animal waste was believed to have contaminated drinking water in the area.

South West Water (SWW) announced yesterday (Wednesday 15 May) that small traces of cryptosporidium had been detected in the Hillhead area of ​​its network as a result of a damaged air valve. Public health said 22 cases of the infection had been confirmed, while up to 100 people had reported symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea in the past week.

As reported by Devon Live, Mr Mangnall took to Facebook this morning (May 16) to announce the source of the outbreak after a meeting called by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He said the valve “may have allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to enter the local supply”.

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SWW issued a press release saying it was working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to urgently investigate how cryptosporidium entered its network so it could be fixed. A boil water notice to about 16,000 households and businesses in the area, advising them not to use their tap water for drinking or washing without first boiling and cooling it.

The Totnes MP said: “I have just attended a meeting called by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to get an update from South West Water and the UK Health Safety Agency. SWW believes they have found the source of the problem. and have initiated a fix, but are continuing their investigations and will test their network to ensure the water is safe.

“The boil water advisory is therefore likely to be in place for at least another six or seven days, with bottled water available throughout this period. Vulnerable customers and those on the Priority Services register will continue to receive regular deliveries of bottled water, while those unable to access bottled water stations will be able to call SWW for a delivery.

“I have also been assured that all schools, care homes and vulnerable non-domestic clients have received deliveries of water bottles. A second bottled water station has now been set up at the Freshwater Quarry Car Park and will be open until 9pm tonight.

“SWW previously confirmed that domestic customers who received a Boil Water Notice would receive a £15 payment and have now agreed to pay an additional £100 compensation. Customers paying by direct debit will receive £115 straight into their bank account by 21 May. , while those without a direct debit arrangement will receive a £115 credit on their water bill.

“I am very concerned about SWW’s response to this situation as they have been slow to act and communication with customers has been very poor. This has certainly undermined confidence in our water network and I will certainly continue to work with colleagues at DEFRA to ensure SWW is held to account in relation to this issue.

“I will also work with Torbay Council, Brixham Borough Council, Kevin Foster and other local stakeholders to ensure better communication with residents. My team and I are on hand to help and even delivered bottled water to residents this morning.”

In response to a comment on his Facebook page about the source of the contamination, he replied: “A damaged air valve in the Hillhead area which would have allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to enter the local supply.”