Frustrated residents of Brixham are mobilising to demand legal action against South West Water (SWW) following a catastrophic water contamination crisis that has left many in the community suffering from severe health issues. The crisis, which began with a cryptosporidium outbreak earlier this year, has prompted claims that over 1,000 residents have fallen ill, leading to calls for accountability from the water supplier.
The alarming situation unfolded in May when SWW issued boil-water notices affecting approximately 16,000 properties. Residents were advised against consuming tap water unless it was first boiled, yet the company publicly reported only 100 confirmed cases of illness linked to the contaminated water. In stark contrast, a newly formed resident action group alleges that the true number of affected individuals could be as high as 10 times that figure.
Residents like Jill Norfolk and Tanya Matthews have voiced their anger over what they describe as being “lied to and manipulated” regarding the safety of their water supply. The community has come together, expressing a collective sense of betrayal as they endure “tortuous psychological games” amid ongoing health issues that particularly affect children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals.
“The community are still not happy. If anything, it has made us more determined,” Matthews remarked after attending a recent meeting with local MP Caroline Voaden, who confirmed that an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency is underway. Voaden noted the investigation will focus on whether the outbreak was avoidable, the actions taken by SWW, and if any regulations were breached. “I wouldn’t find it easy to trust South West Water,” she added.
Adding to residents’ frustrations, a public meeting held by SWW on September 12 was closed to media coverage, raising further suspicions of a cover-up. Matthews described the atmosphere at the meeting as “intimidating,” claiming attendees felt like they were “being eyeballed” throughout the session.
Many residents have also expressed discontent with local healthcare providers, stating that GPs have refused to conduct stool tests for those showing symptoms of illness. Norfolk reported, “The GPs told us not to bring samples in. The practices have been overwhelmed and that’s how I think it was discovered.”
In response to residents’ claims, SWW has stated that there have been no new infections since May 31. However, residents argue that doctors ceased testing for cryptosporidium well before that date, exacerbating the situation.
Sarah Treaser, another affected resident, lamented, “All we want to be able to drink the water – it is a basic human need and right. On every street I know everyone has been affected by this.” She voiced suspicions that SWW may be trying to destroy evidence of the contamination, demanding accountability for what she views as a betrayal of public trust.
Norfolk echoed this sentiment, asserting, “It has been lies after lies after lies.” The psychological toll of the crisis has left her feeling scared to leave her home, while Helen Ireland described ongoing health issues stemming from the outbreak, stating, “My intestine is in bits. It affects me every day still, and has been truly horrific.”
Sharon Thame, 70, expressed the deep emotional scars left by the crisis, declaring, “I don’t want to live here any more. It’s spoilt Brixham for me; SWW has spoilt it. I want it to be held accountable.”
In response to the community’s outcry, SWW Chief Executive Officer Susan Davy has stated, “We will continue to do all we can to support the Brixham community following the cryptosporidium incident earlier this year.” She emphasised the company’s commitment to rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety of its water supply moving forward.
As residents unite in their demand for justice, the broader implications of the crisis resonate beyond Brixham, raising questions about public health and regulatory oversight in water quality management.
