South West Water has admitted criminal offences relating to the contamination of drinking water in Brixham in 2024.
The outbreak, caused by the parasite cryptosporidiosis, affected around 16,000 properties in the area and led to around 100 cases of illness.
The admission, made during a case heard at Exeter Magistrates’ Court, followed news that a claim against the company being brought by law firm Leigh Day on behalf of residents and businesses in Exmouth affected by sewage pollution has been expanded to include people living in Dawlish, Sidmouth, Teignmouth, Newquay and Penzance.
A 2025 Ofwat investigation into the management of South West Water’s sewage treatment works and sewerage networks led to the imposition of enforcement measures costing £24 million.
During the 2024-25 reporting year the company recorded 109 pollution incidents per 10,000km of sewer – more than any other water company in England and Wales, five times the industry-wide target and more than double the industry average.
