A four-fold rise in businesses illegally tapping into the region’s water supply has been recorded in West Yorkshire this year.

Fire chiefs warn lives are being put at risk by cowboy firms which are damaging fire hydrants to access water by using ill-fitting and unlicensed standpipe equipment.

It is thought many businesses which rely on access to water to carry out work, such as window cleaners, road sweepers and landscape gardeners, are dodging equipment licence fees in order to cut costs during the recession.

Between January and July this year, Yorkshire Water had 87 confirmed incidents of illegal standpipe use in West Yorkshire, compared to 20 during the same period last year.

In Bradford, 35 incidents have been recorded this year, up from only seven at the same time in 2008.

Kirsty Wood, the firm’s standpipe licensing manager, said: “Perhaps as a result of businesses trying to save money in these difficult economic times or simply because they aren’t aware of the regulations, we’ve seen a worrying increase in the number of people caught tapping into our water hydrants without the proper equipment or permission.

“Their actions can have a knock-on effect, potentially causing incidents of water discolouration or even temporary loss of supply.”

She said the firm had a 100 per cent successful prosecution rate, with offenders receiving a maximum £1,000 per offence plus legal costs. Businesses are required to use a standpipe on a fire hydrant which is no more than an inch in diameter, anything bigger can damage the attachment on the hydrant, much like a screw with a worn thread.

Yorkshire Water is now working with Bradford businesses to ensure regulations are met.

Mike Cartwright, spokesman for Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “Taking water without consent from hydrants and standpipes can have severe consequences on both individuals and communities.”

Ian Bitcon, senior operations officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said fire hydrants provide back up to appliances during major incidents.

“Our front-line appliances carry adequate water to deal with the early stages of fire and to extinguish most fires but we rely on hydrants to support our work,” he said. “Anyone interfering with or vandalising a hydrant is putting lives directly at risk.”

Members of the public should report any instances where they suspect illegal use of the water supply to contact Yorkshire Water on (01274) 804457. Businesses wishing to know more about the regulations can also call this number.

A licence costs £554.96 a year or £1.46 a day.