Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

South West Water: Brixham Contamination

20 May 2024 · 11 other contributors

Opened by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

NHSEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve Barclay raised concerns about south west water: brixham contamination in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK Health Security Agency notified South West Water of cryptosporidium cases in Brixham on Monday 13 May
  • Boil notice issued for Hillhead and Alston areas on Wednesday 15 May following crypto detection
  • Two hospitalisations and 46 confirmed cases identified to date

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Steve Barclay

On Monday 13 May, the UK Health Security Agency notified South West Water of cryptosporidium cases in Brixham. Monitoring from Monday evening into Tuesday identified crypto in the Hillhead distribution area by Wednesday morning, leading to a boil notice for both the Hillhead and Alston areas on Wednesday 15 May. To date, 46 confirmed cases have been identified, with two hospitalisations. Two bottled water stations were opened initially, increasing to three by Saturday. Compensation has risen from £150 to £215. Daily testing of affected water supplies will continue for the foreseeable future as South West Water works on a solution and cooperates fully with the Drinking Water Inspectorate's investigation.

Other contributors (11)
  • Anthony Mangnall Con Torbay

    Question

    Expressed local concerns about communication, compensation, and the impact on Brixham residents. Called for ongoing independent monitoring by UKHSA and DWI, an investigation into South West Water's handling of the situation, and clarification on water bills despite increased compensation.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged local concerns and expressed assurance that the issue will be thoroughly investigated with full cooperation from all parties, including South West Water. The Minister noted that there would be a thorough examination of the incident.

  • Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

    Question

    In light of contaminated water hospitalising children and record levels of toxic filth in water systems, how much worse does the situation need to get before the Government adopts Labour’s plan for special measures?

    Minister reply

    The Drinking Water Inspectorate is investigating; the issue is farm contamination, not raw sewage. A precautionary boil notice was issued due to seriousness, but 85% of those affected were upstream and unaffected.

  • Gary Streeter Con South West Devon

    Question

    Does my right hon Friend agree that speed is critical in diagnosing the problem, remedying it, communicating with customers, and compensating them? Does South West Water show necessary urgency?

    Minister reply

    Speed is crucial for detection, risk mitigation, communication, and support. The government has been pushing for proactive measures to mitigate negative publicity impact on tourism.

  • Ben Bradshaw Lab Exeter

    Question

    Why will the Secretary of State not make water industry bosses criminally liable, put the industry into special measures, and stop outrageous bonuses being paid?

    Minister reply

    We agree with restricting bonuses where there is criminal wrongdoing. The largest criminal investigation by the Environment Agency into water firms is ongoing.

  • Simon Jupp Con Eastleigh

    Question

    What are the timescales for the ongoing investigation and when will results become public?

    Minister reply

    The investigation's speed is important; South West Water must cooperate fully. Local MPs want to explain causes, monitoring, and actions taken.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    In 2022, the Liberal Democrats called for a ban on bonuses if companies commit criminal breaches. What size bonus does the Secretary of State think South West Water's CEO should receive?

    Minister reply

    Following legal process, Ofwat is consulting to define criteria for banning bonuses where there is serious criminal wrongdoing.

  • Selaine Saxby Con North Devon

    Question

    What more can be done to reassure constituents in the north of South Devon that a similar issue cannot happen, and how will other customers who were not affected this time but might be in future be reassured?

    Minister reply

    The Drinking Water Inspectorate is conducting an investigation which includes phase 1. The speed of the investigation is critical to establish facts quickly.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Question

    What measures will be taken to restore confidence in South West Water's competence, ensure water safety, and support businesses impacted by reputational damage?

    Minister reply

    Compensation is being addressed, although more work remains. The investigation is important for understanding the exact cause of the issue.

  • Anne Marie Morris Con Newton Abbot

    Question

    What risk analyses and contingency plans are in place to ensure such issues do not recur, and how will regulators ensure that water companies follow best practices?

    Minister reply

    The Drinking Water Inspectorate is investigating the incident. Precautionary measures were taken based on initial tests.

  • Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab Brighton, Kemptown

    Question

    Should bonuses, dividends and bill rises be suspended until water companies like South West Water improve their practices?

    Minister reply

    There is agreement on suspending bonuses for criminal wrongdoing. Dividends require further debate with Treasury colleagues.

Shadow Comment

Anthony Mangnall

The shadow minister thanked the Secretary of State for cooperation during the crisis, highlighting concerns about South West Water’s handling of communication and compensation. He noted that residents are still dependent on bottled water in some areas and called for independent monitoring by UKHSA and DWI over the coming weeks and months. He also requested an investigation into South West Water's actions and asked why those affected are still paying their bills despite increased compensation.

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