News

Another successful prosecution for illegally taking water

South Staffs Water has successfully prosecuted Go Plant for illegally taking water from a hydrant, through unauthorised use of a standpipe, on more than one occasion.

Go Plant was found guilty of the offence, which took place at Bramshall, Uttoxeter in February 2018, and ordered to pay just under £4,000 in fines and legal costs by Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court.

This follows the successful prosecution of Chasetown Civil Engineering in October 2018. Chasetown Civil Engineering was found guilty and ordered to pay just under £3,000 in fines and legal costs.

Mike Morris, Network Performance Manager from South Staffs Water, commented:

“Providing a safe and reliable water supply to all of our customers is our number one priority and we work hard every day to make this happen.

“This is our second prosecution this year and demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to organisations which believe they can connect to the water distribution network without the appropriate authorisation.

“When companies illegally connect to the water supply network, they are not only using unauthorised equipment and taking water illegally, they are also potentially creating problems with the pressure and quality of water supplied to our customers, which is totally unacceptable.

“It is a simple process to obtain an authorised standpipe to connect to the network and we are available to give training to use the equipment correctly and safely.”

Developers and other organisations who need temporary access to the water mains network can apply to hire a standpipe. Visit the standpipes page for more information.

Posted: 11 December 2018