South West Water gives update on water contamination as boil orders lifted

South West Water have released an update, saying around 200 contractors are working urgently to resolve the supply of drinking water to the Hillhead area - where around 2500 properties still have no drinking water.

Compensation has also been increased to those in areas that remain affected by the contamination.

David Harris, Drought and Resilience Director at South West Water said in a statement that they have already identified a probable cause at Hillhead - a damaged air valve on farmland and they are urgently investigating how this happened.

The Hillhead reservoir has been drained and thoroughly cleaned and they will start refilling it today.

David Harris also said "We will not lift the boil water notice in Hillhead until we and our public health partners are completely satisfied it is safe to do so.

“I want to again apologise for the immense disruption this is causing. This should not have happened, and I promise we will fix this problem as soon as possible."

In the meantime, the Alston area that had been affected has now been given the all-clear and residents are now no longer required to boil their water before consuming.

However, those who live in the Brixham and Kingswear areas will have to continue to boil their water until the process is entirely complete.

South West Water have also decided to increase compensation to those still affected in Upper Brixham, Hillhead and Kingswear, saying: “We know the profound impact this is having on families. Compensation has been increased to £215 - almost half the amount of an annual average bill - This payment will be made automatically where we have direct debit details or applied as a credit to their next water bill where we do not.

“Our bottled water stations in Broadsands, Freshwater Quarry and Churston will remain open to customers across the Brixham area."

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