Sometimes, individuals and companies directly access our main water pipes through fire hydrants to take water without our permission. This activity is illegal, and is a criminal offence. It can also affect your water supply, making it appear dirty or resulting in low pressure.
We’ve recently had reports of our fire hydrants being used without our permission in residential and industrial areas in parts of our region.
If you've seen any suspicious activity or someone filling up their vehicle with water that you think shouldn’t be, please tell us so we can track down those responsible.
Please give us as much info as you can such as: date, time, street, postcode, vehicle registration number, and company name. Don't worry if you don't have all of the information, anything will help us to start the investigation.
Useful tips
- You can tell if someone has our permission to use a hydrant by the connection they use. Approved users will have a large, bright green standpipe and meter attached to the standpipe which is connected to the hydrant. Remember, if it's green, it's clean.
- For your own safety, please don’t approach anyone you suspect of using a hydrant illegally
- Note down where they are and what time it is
- Check for any details of their vehicle, such as a company name, logo or number plate
- If you can safely take a picture showing the vehicle and the standpipe attached please do so
