Thousands to receive a payment of £115 as a ‘Boil Notice’ issued

Thousands of households will receive a £115 payout after being told not to drink tap water. South West Water has issued a boil water notice to around 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area of ​​Devon, advising them not to use tap water for drinking without first boiling and cooling it.

The move came after the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it was investigating cases of cryptosporidium in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and North West Paignton.

South West Water distributes bottled water to the public and the company has confirmed that domestic customers who have been issued with a boil water notice will receive an automatic payment of £115 until 21 May. The company also delivers to vulnerable customers, care homes, schools and hospitals.

South West Water believes it has located the source of the problem but is continuing its investigations. The boil water notice remains in place.

The advice to customers is not to drink tap water without first boiling it and letting it cool. This applies to water used for drinking, cooking, food preparation or brushing teeth. Boiled water can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can use normal tap water for washing, bathing and flushing the toilet.

Ministers are receiving regular updates on the situation and are meeting with senior representatives of South West Water and the local authority to ensure all steps are taken to resolve the situation and return clean water supplies as soon as possible.

A Defra spokesman said: “We are receiving regular updates from South West Water, who are working with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the UK Health Safety Agency to identify the source of the contamination. We need South West Water to solve this problem and ensure that clean water returns to the Brixham area as soon as possible.

“We will also work with the local authority, MPs and other partners at local level to ensure the local community is supported during this time.

“We can assure residents that boiled water is safe and we ask that they continue to follow the recommended boil measures.”

A spokesman for the Drinking Water Inspectorate said: “The Drinking Water Inspectorate has been made aware of reports of illness affecting supplies in the Brixham, Devon area. South West Water is investigating these reports and working with the relevant health authorities. The Inspectorate has been alerted to the potential contamination of drinking water and is investigating the cause, extent and actions of the company.

“Consumers should follow the company’s advice if they are in the affected area and should contact South West Water if they require further information.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency is involved locally with the UK Health Safety Agency and South West Water who are responding to cases of cryptosporidium which have been reported in Brixham, Devon. We urge residents to follow any advice given.”