Successful prosecution for illegally taking water in Tamworth and Burton
South Staffs Water has successfully prosecuted another company for illegally taking water from a hydrant, through unauthorised use of a standpipe.
Who did we prosecute?Go Plant Ltd, based in Coalville, Leicestershire pleaded guilty to two offences at Cannock Magistrates Court on 5 December 2023. The offences took place at Lichfield Ind Est, Tamworth, in May 2023, and Rolleston on Dove, Burton upon Trent in June 2023. The company was ordered to pay a total of £5,474 in fines and legal costs by Cannock Magistrates Court.
How can I help?If you’re aware of suspicious standpipe use, please report it directly to us. The Water Supplies team investigate every report that is passed to them. If you can take a photograph showing the standpipe connected to the hydrant, along with the vehicle and registration number, this will really help us to issue formal letters. These can ultimately lead to a prosecution under Section 174 of the Water Act 1991.
If you have information you want to share, contact us on standpipes@south-staffs-water.co.uk
“It is illegal to connect to the water supply network without proper authorisation. When companies connect without authorisation, the quality and the pressure of water supplied to our customers can be compromised and that is not acceptable.
Our priority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to all of our customers, and we take it very seriously when the actions of others impact our ability to do this, so are pleased that this prosecution has taken place. We hope it discourages others from acting irresponsibly in the future.
Companies can hire an authorised standpipe if they need a temporary water supply. We can provide training on how to use the equipment correctly and safely so that our customers’ water is protected.”
Mark Jeffries, Lead Water Supplies Officer, South Staffs Water
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It is an offence under Section 174 of the Water Act 1991 to make any connection to the network without prior authorisation and agreement. A fine and confiscation of any equipment used for this purpose may be imposed on anyone found guilty of this offence.Posted: 15 December 2023