South Staffs Water has successfully prosecuted a developer for illegally taking water from a hydrant.
Chasetown Civil Engineering was found guilty of taking the water through unauthorised use of a standpipe, on more than one occasion. The offence took place in Lichfield during May 2018. The firm has been ordered to pay just under £3,000 in fines and legal costs by Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court.
Mike Morris, water regulations manager from South Staffs Water said: “Responsible companies obtain an authorised standpipe to connect to the network and can be trained to use the equipment correctly and safely.
“When companies ignore this and illegally connect to the water supply network, they are not only avoiding payment but also potentially creating problems with the pressure and quality of water supplied to our customers.
“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. We take it very seriously when the actions of others impacts upon our ability to do this…We hope it discourages others from acting irresponsibly in the future.”
This is not the first prosecution of this kind by South Staffs Water and demonstrates a zero tolerance approach with organisations which connect to the water distribution network without the appropriate authorisation.