Residents and businesses in Bournemouth are being warned about risks from unauthorised water hydrant connections.
Action is being taken locally to highlight how attaching unapproved standpipes to hydrants can put people and premises at risk, with Bournemouth Water saying even a single unsafe connection can affect water quality and disrupt essential operations, including the ability of fire services to respond when needed.
The company says water hydrants are part of a protected system and using equipment that has not been checked or approved can allow contamination to flow back into the wider network, a problem that is uncommon but potentially serious for nearby homes and businesses.
Earlier this year, an unapproved connection was identified in the area and dealt with through the appropriate legal process, with the emphasis placed on preventing future incidents rather than enforcement alone and encouraging greater awareness of the rules.
Andy Shorey, head of operations, said many people do not realise the same safety principles apply to water as other utilities and added the priority is keeping supplies safe for everyone.
To support lawful use, approved standpipes with back-flow protection are available through Aquam Water Services Ltd, helping organisations access water without risking the network.
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