362 instances in which water in England and Wales was flagged as unfit for human consumption

Since 2021, there have been 362 instances in which water in England and Wales was flagged as unfit for human consumption. Despite this, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has brought only three prosecutions against water companies: Southern Water and South West Water in 2022, and Wessex Water in 2023. The DWI can issue legal instruments requiring companies to address water quality issues, but only a small fraction have resulted in prosecutions.

Thames Water, one of the companies involved, received a caution in 2023 for water safety issues. Recent incidents include unsafe water in Brixham, Devon, due to a cryptosporidium outbreak, Wessex Water were also prosecuted for supplying water unfit for human consumption due to its appearance and taste. Water concerns in Beckenham, prompted Thames Water to test the supply.