households in the Brixham area of Devon can now safely use and drink their tap water

around 14,500 households in the Alston supply area can now use their tap water safely

Thousands of households in the Brixham area of Devon can now safely use and drink their tap water without having to boil it first, South West Water (SWW) has said.

The water company said around 14,500 households in the Alston supply area can now use their tap water safely, although some 2,500 properties in Hillhead, upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear should continue to boil their supply before drinking it.

The decision was made in consultation with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the local authority’s environmental health department.

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.

“The public rightly expect a safe, clean and reliable source of drinking water and on this occasion, we have fallen significantly short of expectations. We will not stop working until this has been fully resolved.

“With the boil water notice still in place in Hillhead, upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear, we are urging customers who are unsure if they are still affected to visit the postcode checker on our website or call us so we can check for them.”

Published: 18/05/2024 by Radio NewsHub