What's happened
Over 2,000 households in a Devon town are still under boil water notices more than a month after a parasite outbreak contaminated the water supply. South West Water CEO Susan Davy has chosen to forgo her annual bonus for the second year in a row amidst concerns over water quality.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Pennon Group's annual report warns of the risks posed by higher temperatures on water quality, including the spread of the cryptosporidium parasite. Sky News reports that CEO Susan Davy has donated her long-term award to support struggling customers, acknowledging the industry's performance issues. The Independent highlights the significant pay cut taken by Susan Davy last year amidst the water contamination crisis in Devon.
How we got here
The parasite outbreak in Devon led to boil water notices for thousands of households, with customers advised to boil tap water before consumption. South West Water has been under scrutiny for its response to the contamination crisis, with concerns raised about the environmental performance of water companies in the UK.
Common question
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South West Water provides drinking water and waste water services throughout Devon and Cornwall and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. South West Water was created in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry.
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Pennon Group plc is a British water utility company based in Exeter, England. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. 83% of the company's profits come from its subsidiary, South West Water.