People across South West England have been advised to boil their tap water after 22 cases of a waterborne disease have been confirmed.

Multiple reports of diarrhoea-type illness lead to the discovery of “small traces” of parasite – cryptosporidium – in the water supply in Devon on Wednesday, according to South West Water.

A further 70 cases reported cases of diarrhoea and vomiting are currently being investigated.

SWW confirmed it is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to “eliminate the source” of the disease and that bottled water stations will be set up in the areas affected. 

“Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consuming following new test results for cryptosporidium,” a SWW spokesperson said.

“We are issuing this notice following small traces of the organism identified overnight and this morning. We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source,”

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated. Bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas as soon as possible.”