It added: “More than 100 environmental and sewer samples were taken as part of the investigation.
“The specific strain of E. coli involved in the case was not identified in samples taken from the sewer network.
“Despite the thorough and intensive nature of the investigation, no sufficient evidence was found linking the illness to storm overflow activity or bathing water quality.
“The circumstances of wastewater infrastructure and regulation in the late 1990s were very different from today.
“Since then, significant investment, including through the Clean Sweep programme – which put waste treatment in fort the first time in Dawlish after decades without it.
“We understand that the revisiting of historic events through dramatisation can raise difficult questions.
“It is important that any discussion reflects the findings of the formal investigations carried out at the time.
“Our focus remains on protecting public health, safeguarding bathing waters and continuing to improve environmental performance.”