South West Water has issued a Boil Water Notice affecting approximately 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area, urging residents to boil tap water before consuming it due to the presence of cryptosporidium.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently investigating cases of cryptosporidium, prompting South West Water to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. Customers in the Alston and Hillhead areas of the network, which supply water to Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland, and North West Paignton, are affected by the notice.

Rolling updates from South West Water include information on bottled water collection points for the public. Additionally, affected household customers will receive an automatic payment of £115 by 21 May. The company is also conducting deliveries of bottled water to vulnerable customers, care homes, schools, and hospitals.

While South West Water believes they have identified the source of the issue, investigations are ongoing, and therefore, the boil water notice remains in effect.

Customers are advised not to drink tap water without first boiling and allowing it to cool. This precaution applies to water used for drinking, cooking, preparing food, or brushing teeth. Boiled water can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, normal tap water is safe for washing, bathing, and toilet flushing.

Ministers are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with South West Water and local authorities to expedite the resolution and restore clean water supplies promptly.

Water Minister Robbie Moore emphasized the importance of South West Water’s efforts to resolve the issue and ensure the return of clean water to the Brixham area. He assured residents that boiled water is safe and urged them to adhere to the advised boiling measures.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environment Agency are actively involved in investigating the cause and extent of the contamination, working alongside South West Water and relevant health authorities.

For the latest updates and advice, residents are encouraged to visit South West Water’s website.