Thousands of Devon Households Told They Can Safely Drink Tap Water Again Following Parasite Outbreak

South West Water said it has repaired a damaged valve that was the possible cause of contamination and regular testing will also continue throughout the network

People collecting bottled water at Freshwater car park in Brixham, Devon, on May 17, 2024. Ben Birchall/PA

Thousands of households in Devon have been told they can safely drink their tap water again as the region’s water supplier lifted boil water notices on Saturday following a parasite outbreak.

South West Water (SWW) issued the notices on Wednesday after confirmed and suspected cases of cryptosporidium, a disease that can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, were found in the Brixham area of Devon.