A major UK water firm has accidentally paid £6,800 into a customer's account and told them to enjoy it. The Guardian newspaper received a letter from a consumer asking for help after Yorkshire Water made two surprise payments totaling £6,800.
How the mistake happened
In May, Yorkshire Water made a payment of more than £3,500 into the customer's partner's bank account. The couple assumed it was an error and expected to be told to repay it. Exactly a month later, another payment of £3,300 arrived. When they contacted Yorkshire Water, the company said it did not recognise the payment reference and did not think it had made the payment.
According to the customer, their partner's bank said there was nothing it could do to stop or return the payments. Both companies took the issue lightly and told them to enjoy the money. The couple transferred the funds into a savings account to keep it untouched, but are concerned it might be part of a money laundering scam.
Investigation reveals payroll error
After investigation, The Guardian discovered that Yorkshire Water had updated its payroll incorrectly, resulting in somebody's wages being paid to the couple by accident.
Water supply situation in Yorkshire
This incident comes as Yorkshire Water has confirmed that a hosepipe ban is not expected in Yorkshire this summer. The county is in a much better position this year, with reservoir capacity currently at 75%, compared to 53.8% in July 2025, according to Yorkshire Water.
The UK is experiencing another heatwave, with amber heat health alerts issued for Yorkshire and north-west England, as well as the Midlands, eastern and southern England. Yorkshire Water advised people to monitor their water intake, particularly in Doncaster, which has seen the largest increase in water use compared with other areas of the region.
