News

Severn Trent has successfully prosecuted a Derby-based company for illegally using a water hydrant in Leicestershire.

Pure Construction Midlands Ltd, based in Millennium Way, Pride Park, Derby, pleaded guilty to offences of illegally drawing water from the Severn Trent network and using an unapproved standpipe with no meter at Leicester Magistrates’ Court. 

The company was caught illegally using the hydrant as they worked on a building site at Burton Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

The company has now been ordered to pay a total of £4,850, which is made up of a £500 fine for each offence, costs of £3,800, and a £50 victim surcharge relating to the offence, which took place on 28th March.

Dan Littlewood, from Severn Trent, said: “The company’s employees showed a complete disregard for water regulations while they worked at the building site by using an illegal standpipe.

“Not only did they not pay for the water, they also put water supplies at risk. Their actions could’ve had serious consequences especially as they weren’t trained to use hydrants properly.”

Severn Trent has successfully prosecuted more than 70 companies and sent more than 170 warning letters to firms that have been caught illegally using hydrants. 

Dan added that Severn Trent is making it easier to spot illegal hydrants with all authorised standpipes now painted bright green and featuring the Severn Trent logo.“We never want our customers to have to experience murky water, so it’s really important people don’t take water from our network when they shouldn’t,” adds Dan. “We want to make sure our customers water is always there when they need it so we want businesses to use approved standpipes and have the proper training if they need access to our hydrants."

If anyone sees someone they believe is using an illegal standpipe from a Severn Trent hydrant, the company has also issued the following advice:

•    Don’t approach them;

•    Note down the location and the date;

•    Make a note of the company name if possible;

•    Take a picture showing the vehicle and the standpipe attached if it can be done safely;

•    Send the details to waterregulations@severntrent.co.uk 

Any company needing to discuss their site water supply can email Dan and the team through waterregulations@severntrent.co.uk