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If you see someone using a hydrant near you without our permission this can cause problems with your supply. Here's how to check they're allowed and what to do if you suspect they don't have permission.

Hydrant misuse

Water hydrants are critical resources to help the Fire Service in emergencies and help us to manage and maintain the water network.

You may not notice them, but most streets in your neighbourhood are likely to have a fire hydrant.

They are found under a cover on your road or street, a bit like a drain. These are a vital connection to water network for the emergency services.

Water hydrants are critical resources to help the Fire Service in emergencies and help us to manage and maintain the water network.

 

 

You may not notice them, but most streets in your neighbourhood are likely to have a fire hydrant.

They are found under a cover on your road or street, a bit like a drain. These are a vital connection to water network for the emergency services.Water hydrants are critical resources to help the Fire Service in emergencies and help us to manage and maintain the water network.

 

You may not notice them, but most streets in your neighbourhood are likely to have a fire hydrant.

They are found under a cover on your road or street, a bit like a drain. These are a vital connection to water network for the emergency services.

What to do if you suspect illegal water hydrant use

If you think you’ve seen somebody illegally accessing a water hydrant, you should report it to us straight away.

You can complete a digital form to report suspected hydrant misuse to us.

Please give us as much info as you can. This might include:

Date; Time; Street; Postcode; Registration number of suspect’s vehicle; Any company name on the vehicle

Don't worry if you don't have all the information, any information you provide will help us track down those responsible. 

Don’t approach or confront suspected unauthorised users

Please do not attempt to approach or confront anybody you suspect of accessing a water hydrant illegally. We will do all we can to investigate and involve any necessary authorities.

You can help us by noting down where and when it happened and, if they've been there more than once, make a note of any pattern or schedule.

Check for any details of the vehicle, such as a company name, logo or number plate.

If you can, safely take a picture that shows the vehicle attached to the standpipe.


How we try to prevent illegal use

We take hydrant misuse very seriously.

We’re working with our approved equipment partner, Aquam Water Services, to investigate those people and organisations who illegally access hydrants as prevent them some doing it again.

Specialist locking caps

We’ve fitted thousands of new locking caps to the hydrants, which can only be unlocked with special tools and equipment, making it more difficult for unauthorised users to access the hydrant.

We take legal action against companies and individuals who take water illegally from us.

We’ve issued formal cautions and warning letters to companies that have been caught illegally using Severn Trent hydrants.

There is also a number of companies currently under investigation, and some of these investigations may lead to formal cautions or even criminal prosecutions.

Constant monitoring

We continually monitor our network and carry out spot checks to make sure our hydrants aren't damaged.

This helps prevent problems for you, the emergency services, or to our day to day operations.