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Suspected hydrant misuse

We understand that some of our business customers may sometimes require an additional water supply outside of our normal supply arrangements. That’s why we offer a comprehensive standpipe hire service. These freestanding standpipes are fitted with a tap and can be attached to a hydrant to provide a water supply where there isn’t currently one available.​

Whilst we have many business customers that have been given permission to connect to our network of pipes, there are a number of people that don’t have permission. Every time someone takes water from our network without permission, or does so outside of the terms and conditions of our standpipe hire policy, they have the potential to effect the water supply to our other customers in the area.

Discoloured water

Some customers may notice that their water doesn’t come out of the tap with quite as much force (less pressure). Others may find that the water may appear a light, straw-yellow colour to a dark brown. Both of these issues should resolve on their own, once the user disconnects from the water supply. For more information on discoloured water, you can visit our website.

Have you seen someone connected to the water network that you think shouldn’t be?

Rest assured that at United Utilities we take all reports of suspected hydrant misuse very seriously.

You can send your query through to us here. The more information you are able to provide us, the better we will be able to investigate your query. 

The key information we need is:

  • Date, time and location of the event
  • Name of the company connected to the water supply*
  • What was witnessed
  • Photo or video evidence of the connected standpipe

*Please note that we are unable to use vehicle registration numbers to identify users of unknown companies

Once submitted your query will now go through our network investigation process and where necessary appropriate action will be taken. Unfortunately we are unable to provide updates on the outcome of our investigations, but on some occasions we may need to contact you in the future should we require any further information that we think you might be able to provide.

You can download our ‘Protecting your drinking water - suspected hydrant misuse’ leaflet here.

Important Notice

Cold Weather

After a few freezing cold days in the North West, it looks like the temperature is beginning to rise.

As the weather warms up over the next few days, any frozen pipes in your home will begin to thaw. When this happens, some of your pipes may leak or burst. It's worth taking some steps now to be prepared just in case this happens to you.

  1. Check your pipes in any cold places such as the loft or garage - can you spot any water dripping from the pipe?
  2. Find your stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink and turn it clockwise to turn off the water.
  3. Turn off your heating, open all your taps to drain the system quickly.
  4. Soak up any escaping water with towels.
  5. Check with your home insurance company to see if you’re covered for leaks and bursts or call a plumber.
  6. If you need to find a plumber in your area visit www.watersafe.org.uk
  7. If water has leaked near your electrics switch them off at the mains.

For more help and advice if you have a frozen or burst pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/winter.

Please think about your family, friends or any vulnerable neighbours and share this information with them too.

As the weather warms up, any frozen pipes in your home will begin to thaw. When this happens, some of your pipes may leak or burst. For more help and advice if you have a frozen or burst pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/winter. Please think about your family, friends or any vulnerable neighbours and share this information with them too.

Cold Weather

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