Many people are unaware that water can be “stolen” by attaching unauthorised standpipes to hydrants — and that doing so poses risks not only to the individual or business involved, but to the wider public water supply.
Bournemouth Water is raising awareness about the dangers and potential consequences of unauthorised connections to the water network, emphasising that tapping directly into hydrants without permission can compromise water quality, disrupt essential operations and damage infrastructure.
Why unauthorised standpipes matter
Unlike electricity or gas, where the dangers of unapproved connections are widely recognised, many people do not realise that the same principles apply to water. Hydrants and standpipes are integral to a carefully protected system designed to deliver safe, clean water to households and businesses.
Connecting equipment that has not been checked, cleaned or approved by the water company can allow contaminants to enter the main supply through backflow. Although such contamination events are rare, it only takes one compromised connection to create a significant public health issue.
In addition to water quality concerns, unauthorised standpipes can disrupt the operation of the network, including essential services such as fire response, and can cause physical damage to pipes and valves that are not designed for unregulated access.
A recent incident highlights the risks
Earlier this year, Bournemouth Water identified an unauthorised connection to its network. The company followed the appropriate legal route to resolve the issue, resulting in a prosecution. However, officials stress that the broader goal is to prevent such incidents through education and awareness.
Andy Shorey, Head of Operations at Bournemouth Water, said: “Most people would never dream of connecting anything to the electricity grid or gas network, but many don’t realise that the same principles apply to water. Using unauthorised equipment can unintentionally put water quality at risk, both for the business using it and for the wider community. Our priority is always to keep everyone’s water safe. That’s why we want to help people understand what’s allowed, what isn’t, and why it matters.”
Approved standpipe hire and safe alternatives
To help businesses, community groups and charities comply with regulations, Bournemouth Water offers an approved standpipe hire service through Aquam Water Services Ltd. Authorised standpipes include specialist backflow prevention devices and are installed and maintained to ensure the integrity of the network.
Authorised equipment and professional installation help prevent contamination and network disruption, protecting both the water system and the people who rely on it.
Further information on approved standpipe hire and safe use of hydrants is available at Bournemouth Water’s website: bournemouthwater.co.uk/building-and-development/services/water-supply-connections/standpipe-hire.
