Water firm admits charge following Lancashire's water contamination scandal

United Utilities has admitted a charge in relation to the cryptosporidium outbreak scandal that hit Lancashire's water supply in 2015.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jul 2017, 12:12 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 12:42 BST
Franklaw worksFranklaw works
Franklaw works

The major firm appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court in a prosecution brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Hundreds of thousands of homes in the county were left without safe drinking water when traces of cryptosporidium were found in summer 2015.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The company pleaded guilty to supplying water to premises from the Franklaw Water Treatment Works at Catterall, Garstang, that was unfit for human consumption between July 30 and August 18, 2015.

Two further charges of failing to disinfect water used for domestic purposes, and failing to design and continuously operate an adequate treatment process were withdrawn.

Prosecuting, Richard Bannell said: " This is in effect the first hearing of the case. I'm glad to say that time has enabled matters to be progressed.

"This case raises out of 700,000 consumers in north Lancashire. We are dealing with the impact on consumers that followed from that event."

Defending, Lisa Roberts QC entered the plea on behalf of the firm.

(proceeding)