South West Water Summoned to Court Over Brixham Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak
Drinking Water Inspectorate refers company for possible offences after more than 100 cases linked to contaminated water in May
South West Water has been issued a court summons after an investigation into a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the town of Brixham, Devon, linked to more than 100 cases of gastrointestinal illness in May 2024.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) announced the summons on Thursday, saying the company faces potential prosecution under section 70(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991. The matter is listed to be heard at Exeter Magistrates' Court on 2 October. The DWI said it had taken the step because of the seriousness of the incident and its impact on the local community.
"The Brixham incident was serious with significant impact on the public and the wider community," DWI chief inspector Marcus Rink said. "Accordingly, I consider it appropriate to pass the matter to the court to consider the evidence in the public interest."
South West Water said it had "co‑operated fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate from the outset of this incident to help in its investigations" and that it "will reflect on this summons." In a separate statement the company added: "We take this incident extremely seriously, and we will continue to engage fully in response to these legal proceedings."
The outbreak, detected in May, was linked to cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic infection that caused sickness and diarrhoea among residents and visitors. The DWI, which regulates the quality and safety of public drinking water in England and Wales, carried out an investigation into the supply serving Brixham and considered whether offences under the Water Industry Act had occurred.
The summons signals the regulator's decision to refer the case for criminal proceedings rather than resolve it solely through enforcement action or remedial measures. The scheduled hearing at Exeter Magistrates' Court will allow a court to consider the evidence gathered by the DWI and decide whether the company should be prosecuted.
Local health services recorded the cluster of illnesses in May, prompting public health and water-supply investigations. Authorities issued guidance to affected residents at the time and the incident prompted scrutiny of water treatment and monitoring arrangements serving the area.
The outcome of the court hearing will determine whether South West Water faces prosecution under the cited provision of the Water Industry Act. The company said it will continue to engage with the legal process while handling any ongoing customer support and safety measures related to the incident.