HOUSEHOLDERS are being put on their guard against a man offering to carry out work on their water systems.

Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing service has joined forces with Northumbrian Water to warn residents in Stockton.

The organisations have received information about a man who reportedly introduces himself as working on behalf of Northern Water Services or Domestic Water Care, asking if there is an outdoor tap on the premises.

He tells householders there are European laws in place to implement statutory requirements for outdoor taps.

He then tells them they are liable to a hefty on-the-spot fine if he does not fix a bronze tap and back-siphoning valve to the existing tap.

He has offered to sell the product for about £30 and told residents only Northern Water Services can fit them correctly for an additional cost. He has been known to leave a business card containing a mobile phone number and a landline number.

Trading Standards are advising residents that while there are statutory regulations in place, the main risk of black siphonage is associated with industrial locations and there is only a small risk in domestic properties.

If needed, kits are available from retailers at a lower cost then them man has quoted.

Cora Hall, of Northumbrian Water, said: "Customers need to be aware that representatives from Northern Water Services or Domestic Water Care are not associated with Northumbrian Water in any way."

Concerned residents can contact Northumbrian Water on 08457 171100.