Cow manure leaking into the water supply has caused an outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite in south Devon, according to South West Water. The company believes that the parasitic bug cryptosporidium entered the underground reservoir through a damaged air valve in a cattle field. As a result, 40,000 households living on the south coast of Devon have been urged to boil their tap water before drinking it. Laura Flowerdew, SWW’s chief customer officer, stated that they have identified a damaged air valve near the Hillhead reservoir and are ensuring that it is the only source of contamination.
The illness caused by the parasite includes symptoms such as profuse diarrhea, stomach pains, vomiting, and fever. One primary school even had to close over fears that students would develop these symptoms. Elaine Hollier, 80, was taken to the hospital after suffering from symptoms for two weeks. Her husband Dennis initially believed they had food poisoning but now suspects that they ingested the parasite through the contaminated water. The boil notice is still in effect, and it is unknown when it will be lifted.
So far, 22 cases of the illness have been confirmed, but more are expected to follow. Residents in affected areas have been warned not to drink water directly from the tap. Community Facebook page Brixham Fish Town has been flooded with posts and comments from residents reporting symptoms. Reports of people becoming ill in Paignton have also emerged. Tanya Matthews, a resident of Ocean View, claims that every home in her street has experienced the same symptoms. She also noticed a strange taste in the water. South West Water is working hard to provide more information about the timeline of the outbreak.
