21 May 2024 , 16:43
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The owner of South West Water will fork out millions to victims of a diarrhea-causing parasite caused by cow manure leaking into the system.
£3,500,000 will be given to those who’s water was affected by the parasite cryptosporidium, which causes severe stomach issues, after it entered the underground reservoir through a damaged air valve in a cattle field.
That amounts to roughly £215 for each person affected after their water was deemed undrinkable.
Thousands of homes and businesses in Devon were issued a ‘boil water’ notice after the alarm was raised last week.
Confirmed cases almost doubled over in just two days, with 46 found people contaminated and another 100 who reported symptoms.
One primary school was even forced to close over fears students would develop symptoms, which include profuse diarrhoea, stomach pains, vomiting, and fever.
The small payout has been slammed by Devon MP Anthony Mangnall, who has called for the group to suspend its dividend offering or for its boss to step down.
He said: ‘I think it’s tin-eared. At a time when confidence in South West Water is at an all time low, they really should be thinking about making sure their consumers are on side, rather than shareholders.’
Mr Mangnall said he plans to raise the issue with Rishi Sunak tomorrow.
But SWW boss Susan Davy said: ‘We are 100% focused on returning a safe water supply to the people and businesses in and around Brixham.
‘Normal service has returned for 85% of customers but we won’t stop until the local drinking water is returned to the quality all our customers expect and deserve.
‘Our absolute priority continues to be the health and safety of our customers, and our operational teams are working tirelessly around the clock to deliver this.’
SWW chief customer officer Laura Flowerdew said: ‘Following rigorous testing this week, it is now safe to lift the boil water notice in the Alston water supply area.
‘This decision has been supported by the Government’s public health experts and the local authority’s environmental health department.
‘This situation has caused an immense amount of disruption, distress and anxiety. We are truly sorry this has happened.