Illegal connections to Thames Water’s network costs over £30,000 for two companies

• McFadden Utilities and Amara Land Limited convicted of 24 offences across three London property developments
• Offences took place over the last two years with the two companies ordered to pay £31,888 in total
• Thames Water continues to pursue action against any illegal connections to maintain its clean water network

McFadden Utilities and Amara Land Limited have been charged and convicted of 24 offences of causing illegal connections to the Thames Water’s clean water supply network. Both companies were prosecuted on grounds of carrying out work negligently and incorrect measurements of recorded water use across three developments in London.  

 

The companies have been ordered to pay a combined £31,888 for the offences which have taken place over the last two years.

 

As part of its efforts to use water effectively, Thames Water is committed and obligated to protect its clean water supply for customers.    

 

Thames Water’s illegal connection team uncovered that McFadden, without consent, had installed connections to the Thames Water network in a manner below acceptable industry standards and caused an erroneous measurement of water to the clean water main at 133 Chase Road (now known as Melrose Mews) and 63-65 Bramley Road (now known as Serenity Close).

 

Further, Amara Land Limited also installed a connection in an unacceptable manner and caused an erroneous measurement of water at Bramley Road (now Serenity Close) and a new build housing development in Hendon (known as Garrick Way).

 

Unauthorised connections can compromise the integrity of the clean water network when offenders do not pay for their connections, or the water consumed. With climate change and population growth putting a strain on water resources, Thames Water is acting against those who illegally connect to its clean water mains.   

 

Since 2014 Thames Water’s illegal connection team have been referred over 10,000 illegal connection allegations many of which have been prosecuted through the court system, resulting in Thames Water being awarded £365,000 costs from offending companies. This covers the cost of the investigation ensuring that this crucial work continues to help to provide clean and wastewater services to around 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley.  

 
Claire Rumens, Thames Water’s illegal connections manager, said: “Our work to find and stop illegal connections helps us to uncover offences, save millions of litres in water and uphold our statutory obligation to protect, control and maintain our clean water network.   
 
“As we ask our customers to use water wisely and have engineers working around the clock to find and fix leaks, we are also doing our part to stop illegal connections to our water supply. We will always look to work with individuals and companies to educate and reduce the risk of re-offending.”   
 
Thames Water Utilities Ltd (TWUL) have the right to prosecute all offences but may offer a one-off retrospective charge for a non-aggravated standpipe first offence. Standpipes can be hired from Thames Water’s authorised service provider.

 

·       To report an illegal connection or unauthorised standpipe connection email  or call Developer Services on 0800 009 3921.

·       For more information about obtaining Thames Water standpipes visit: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/home-improvements/standpipes.

·       To apply for a new water supply through Developer Services visit: .