Mile-long queues for bottled water amid cryptosporidium outbreak
There are 22 confirmed cases of the infection with around 100 more people having reported symptoms over the past week.
Aerial pictures and footage show residents queuing for around a mile for bottled water after an outbreak of cryptosporidium caused sickness and diarrhoea in the West Country. South West Water (SWW) announced yesterday, Wednesday, May 16, that a small trace of the parasite was discovered in water in Brixham and that local tap water was not safe to drink or wash in.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, there are 22 confirmed cases of the infection and up to 100 people have reported symptoms over the past week. SWW told 16,000 households and businesses not to use their tap water for drinking or washing without boiling and cooling it first.
Bottled water stations were set up across the area yesterday to provide clean and safe water for residents to drink. Pictures sent to Devon Live by Sunrider Drones show a massive queue for water at Broadsands Car Park in Paignton this afternoon, Thursday, May 16.
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The line has reportedly extended back to Dartmouth Road nearly a mile from the spot where the water is being distributed. SWW customers were told they would be given £15 in compensation. However, SWW announced today that this figure would rise by £100.
Scroll down for pictures of the queues.
People queuing for water at Broadsands Car Park
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People queuing for water at Broadsands Car Park
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People queuing for water at Broadsands Car Park
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People queuing for water at Broadsands Car Park
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People queuing for water at Broadsands Car Park
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