Arabic version: تم تغريم شركة ساوث ويست ووتر بمبلغ 1.8 مليون جنيه إسترليني بسبب تلوث إمدادات المياه

South West Water has been fined £1.8m after a contamination incident involving the parasite cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak, which occurred over 54 days in May 2024, resulted in more than 140 confirmed cases of illness, including four hospitalizations. The utility company pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption and issued a full apology for the incident. According to BBC News, the fine was imposed at Exeter Magistrates’ Court following a prosecution by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Judge Stuart Smith described the incident as a “major public health incident” that caused extensive disruption to daily life. He noted that the monitoring system for air valves was inadequate and highlighted a systemic failure of governance at South West Water. Although the original fine was set at £1.853m, it was reduced by a third due to the company’s early guilty plea.

In response to the contamination, South West Water quickly mobilized personnel and resources to address the situation. The company provided substantial financial remediation to those affected and expressed genuine remorse for the outbreak. Keith Haslett, chief executive of the Pennon Group, which owns South West Water, emphasized the need to learn from this incident and rebuild trust within the community.

The contamination was first confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency on May 14, 2024, prompting the company to issue a boil water notice affecting about 17,000 homes and businesses. This advisory remained in effect for 54 days, until it was lifted on July 8, 2024. The incident also significantly impacted local businesses during a peak tourism season, as noted by the judge in court.