South West Water says Brixham boil water notice will be lifted in 'phased approach'

The total number of confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis has reached more than 100. Credit: PA

South West Water has lifted the boil water notice for some properties in Devon.

21 households supplied off the Hillhead to Boohay main, no longer have to boil water before drinking.

But the notice is still in place for around 2,073 households after a parasite was found in the water supply on 15 May.

South West Water says it is working to lift the notice in a "phased approach", following the cryptosporidium outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency said the number of confirmed infections had reached more than 100, but the rate is "slowing down".

South West Water says it is working to clean the supply system and reinstate safe drinking water for all properties.

Laura Flowerdew, South West Water’s chief customer and digital officer, said: “We want to thank our customers, visitors and local businesses for their continued patience.

"Our teams work hard to clean the network and put interventions in place to prevent this from happening again.

The water company is working to clean and supply system. Credit: South West Water

The statement continued: "We are pleased to be able to remove the boil water notice for 21 customers along the Hillhead to Boohay main.

"We want to reassure everyone that we have taken all the necessary steps, including rigorous sampling, to be sure their water is safe to use as normal.

“We are working around the clock to lift the boil water notice for the remaining customers in the Hillhead, Upper Brixham and Kingswear area.

"Cryptosporidium levels are reducing as a result of our work but we will only lift the notice further when we are completely sure it is safe to do so."

South West Water says it is upping compensation for customers affected by this work by £50.

That means some people living in Hillhead, upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear will receive £315 in total.

Those in the Alston water supply area, who are no longer under a boil notice, have received £115.

What are the symptoms of cryptosporidium infection?

Cryptosporidium is a parasite found in lakes, streams and rivers, untreated drinking water and sometimes in swimming pools. The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection are:

  • Watery diarrhoea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach pains

  • A fever

Symptoms may not begin for between two and 12 days after infection. Usually, symptoms of cryptosporidium infection will only last a couple of days but can continue for up to three or four weeks. The parasite can affect people with weak immune systems for much longer.

Speaking on the rise in confirmed cases, consultant in health protection for UKHSA South West Sarah Bird said: “While further cases may be reported due to the time lag between exposure and falling ill, the number of cases being reported is slowing down.

“As with any other sickness bug, it is really important to follow good infection prevention measures such as handwashing with hot soapy water, as alcohol hand gel is not enough to kill cryptosporidium. This will prevent further cases spreading from person to person through the community.

“Those with symptoms should stay off nursery, school and work for 48 hours since the last episode of illness, and anyone with diarrhoea should not go swimming for 14 days after their last episode of illness.

"This is really important to stop further spread of the illness from person to person.”