Press Notice - 03 June 1998
Drinking Water Inspectorate decides not to prosecute Three Valleys Water Plc
The Drinking Water Inspectorate has today announced that it will not be prosecuting Three Valleys Water over an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in North London in March 1997.
The decision follows the completion of a detailed investigation by the Inspectorate into the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis which took place in the North London area in March 1997. The investigation included careful consideration of whether the outbreak could be associated with the water supplied from Clay Lane Water Treatment Works and, in light of the Judge's ruling in the Torbay case, whether a prosecution case should be commenced. It has been decided not to proceed with a prosecution.
A full report has been prepared which is publicly available. The detailed recommendations are to be considered by the Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies, a body set up following this outbreak.
The Water Company installed in 1997 additional treatment at the Clay Lane works to remove cryptosporidium oocysts from the water.
Michael Rouse, Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, said:
"The Inspectorate has reached this decision following a detailed investigation into the cryptosporidium outbreak in North London, and careful consideration of whether a successful prosecution could be mounted.
"The law as presently interpreted rules out the possibility of proceeding in the only way which has so far been identified as reasonably practical. I can understand that the consumers affected will be disappointed that we are not able to pursue a prosecution.
"It is now important to study the lessons to be learnt from this case in order to help prevent similar outbreaks from occurring.
"The source water circumstances of this case have not been observed before and I look forward to seeing the recommendations of the Expert Group on any additional safeguards that are considered necessary."
Notes For Editors
1. The Inspectorate has investigated the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis which affected a large number of people in parts of North London in March last year and its report is available on request. Detailed recommendations in the report will be considered by the Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies. This Expert Group was set up in response to the incident which occurred at a water works treating ground water sources.
2. In September 1997 the Inspectorate initiated a prosecution against South West Water relating to an incident in 1995 involving an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the Torbay area. At Bristol Crown Court the Judge, in his discretion, decreed that the Report of the Outbreak Control Team was inadmissible. This report was part of the evidence to be presented by the Inspectorate in support of the prosecution of the company for allegedly supplying water unfit for human consumption.
3. The Inspectorate considers additional powers are necessary in support of the necessary strong regulation of drinking water quality in the protection of public health and a consultation document was issued on 6 May on proposed new regulations for monitoring and treatment of supplies of highest risk from cryptosporidium.
4. Cryptosporidiosis, which is the illness arising from exposure to cryptosporidium, is a self limiting condition in most adults, although unpleasant, and can last for several weeks. However, infants, the elderly and the immuno-compromised are at greater risk than the general population.
5. Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite found in man and animals which has been recognised relatively recently as a cause of diarrhoea. It can be spread by contact with animals and people and by food and water. Properly operated water treatment processes are effective in removing it but cannot entirely eliminate the risk.
6. The Drinking Water Inspectorate was set up on 2 January 1990. Its main task is to check that water companies in England and Wales supply wholesome water and comply with the requirements of the Water Quality Regulations.
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Drinking Water Inspectorate,
Floor 2/A1, Ashdown House,
123 Victoria Street,
London, SW1E 6DE
Telephone : 020 7944 5956
Facsimile : 020 7944 5969
E-mail: dwi_enquiries@detr.gov.uk
Published 15 September 1999 / Updated 11 July 2001
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