PRESS RELEASE - December 2005

Water Contamination Cryptosporidium Legal Action

Water plant in standards inquiry
So says the BBC in a report on the 4th December 2005. A BBC Wales inquiry has revealed that a water treatment plant at the centre of an stomach bug outbreak had already been told to raise its standards. So far 144 people in north Wales have contracted the bug Cryptosporidium.

Why me!
Outbreaks of Cryptosporidium still appear on a regular basis both here and abroad. Cryptosporidium can get into the public water as a result of a parasite entering the system. We discovered whilst dealing with the Three Valleys case that the water company was unaware of the problem until it was advised by the Public Health Service (who had received reports from patients GP’s identifying the parasite) A clear case then of reacting after the horse had left the stable!

It would appear (but we cannot be sure at this stage) that this may be the case here in North Wales. Cases were first reported by the National Health Services for Wales in October. However it was not until the end of November that notices were issued to customers of Welsh Water to boil their water.

Although the cause of the problems appear to be Cryptosporidium it is understood that officials investigating the source of the North Wales water bug outbreak are beginning legal action against the owners of a private sewage system. Gwynedd Council issued a statutory notice against the owner of premises in the Waunfawr area requiring immediate work on a "defective private sewage treatment system".

Should I make a Claim?
Only if you have suffered an injury resulting from drinking water supplied by Welsh Water. We have set out our criteria for making claims for personal injuries. May we refer you to our notice on this web site available in English or Welsh.

Claims for Small Items such as bottled water
We cannot help those individuals who just wish to make a claim for individual items such as the cost of bottled water. In those cases we would hope that Welsh Water might as a gesture of good faith make an offer to compensate their customers.

What do I do Now?
If you wish to proceed further then please complete the on line enquiry on this page or call us for a free information pack.

What if I have a question to ask?
We are happy to answer individual questions before you decide to proceed. Our telephone numbers appear below.

Why Pictons?
As the joint lead solicitors of the Three Valleys Water Action group we have already represented on behalf of many clients following on from an earlier outbreak of Cryptosporidium. Click here to see the newspaper article

Further information about us will be found in the information pack and here on our web site.

Contacts:

Pictons Solicitors
Cryptosporidium Claims Department
Tel:01582 870 860
Email: mike.neale@pictons.co.uk
Fax 01582 870 872

28 Dunstable Road
Luton Beds
LU1 1DY